Dharamshala, India — Karnataka Chief Minister B.S Yediyurappa not only proved his majority in the Karnataka State Assembly winning the confidentce motion, but he is also being welcomed by leaders of Tibetan community.
Spiritual and political eaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, President Dr Lobsang Sangay and Parliament Speaker Pema Jungney congratulated B.S. Yediyurappa on his re-election as the Chief Minister of Karnataka state.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama conveyed his congratulations to B.S. Yediyurappa on his once again becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
“I trust that under your leadership the people of Karnataka will see prosperity and progress,” he wrote. “I particularly hope that you will strive to improve the lives of the less privileged people in the State.
“Last April marked the 60th anniversary of our life in exile. As you know, over 30,000 Tibetans reside in Karnataka State, perhaps the largest number among Tibetans in exile. In fact I attended a special function in Bengaluru last year to thank the state of Karnataka and its people for their friendship and support. I am proud to state here that our main Centres of Learning, based on the Nalanda Tradition of Ancient Indian Wisdom, have been re-established in Karnataka.
“This has been made possible thanks largely due to the most generous response to an appeal by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from then Chief Minister S. Nijalingappa, who I had first met when I came to India in 1956. May I, therefore, take this opportunity to express again, through you, our deep appreciation to the government and people of Karnataka, for the warm and friendly support shown Tibetans who have been settled there.”
His Holiness concluded his letter by wishing the Chief Minister every success in meeting whatever challenges may lie ahead.
President of the Tibetan-government-in-exile, now officially known as Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Dr Lobsang Sangay, congratulated B.S. Yediyurappa on his re-election as the Chief Minister of Karnataka state.
“I on behalf of Tibetan people heartily congratulate you on once again becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka state. I wish you all the success in your responsibility as the chief minister and hope that you will be able to fulfill all your promises to the people without obstacles,” he said.
“Karnataka has the largest number of Tibetans in India and has major monasteries which have provided space and liberty for the Tibetan people to resettle, receive education and preserve the culture and practice religion without fear or prejudice,” he said.
“Since Tibetans settled in Karnataka, the love and generosity bestowed by the people and government of Karnataka have stood the test of time and endured through thick and thin. For that reason, the Tibetan people remain deeply indebted to the people and government of the state,” he wrote.
“I hope that under your leadership, this bond of friendship and affinity that exists between our two peoples will be strengthened even further,” he added.
Pema Jungney, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, on behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and Tibetans in and outside Tibet congratulated B. S. Yeddyurappa for being elected again as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, according to the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat.
Speaker Jungney wrote “We are truly grateful to the government and people of India for the support to the Tibetans. Especially the largest Tibetan settlement is in the Karnataka State of India and taking this opportunity I would like to thank the government and people of Karnataka for the support and assistance to the Tibetans.”
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has met Chief Ministers of Karnataka and likewise, Officials of Central Tibetan Administration has also met with former Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Tibetan Parliamentary Delegation also had a privilege meeting you and hearing your suggestions on our movement.”
Speaker extended his profound greetings and best wishes to the CM Yeddyurappa in fulfilling the expectation and aspirations of his people. “We hope you will continue to support our cause and assist Tibetans in your state during your tenure as Chief Minister.” He wrote.
