Indian MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor Visits Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Advocates for Tibet Cause

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the Member of Parliament representing Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, and a former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Under Secretary General of the UN, paid a significant visit to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on May 30, 2024.

Leading a delegation, Dr. Tharoor engaged in fruitful discussions with Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and members of the Standing Committee and Public Accounts Committee, following a comprehensive tour of the parliament hall.

The visit included a special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier that day, with parliamentarian Youdon Aukatsang accompanying the delegation throughout their itinerary at the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Upon arriving at the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dr. Tharoor and his colleagues were warmly welcomed by the Deputy Speaker, the Standing Committee and Public Accounts Committee members, as well as the staff of the parliamentary secretariat, before embarking on a guided tour of the parliament hall, culminating in a meeting at the Standing Committee’s hall.

In her welcome address, the Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude towards the delegation, particularly highlighting Dr. Tharoor’s consistent advocacy for the Tibetan cause, including his engagements with Tibetan delegations in Delhi during their advocacy visits.

The Deputy Speaker urged for Dr. Tharoor’s ongoing support, citing his active participation in previous World Parliamentarians Conventions on Tibet and encouraging his involvement in the upcoming 9th edition.

Detailing the Tibetan parliament’s advocacy initiatives across Indian states, the Deputy Speaker emphasized Tibet’s importance in environmental, national stability, and water resource contexts.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor underscored the enduring support that Tibet and its people have received from both the Indian government and citizens, transcending political boundaries.

Reflecting on his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Tharoor shared the Dalai Lama’s message of religious harmony, noting the diverse backgrounds within his delegation comprising individuals from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian faiths.

Dr. Tharoor also recalled India’s historical embrace of His Holiness and Tibetan refugees in 1959, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s global dissemination of messages centered on love and compassion.

A staunch supporter of Tibet, Dr. Shashi Tharoor is also a member of the International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT), further solidifying his commitment to the Tibetan cause and global advocacy efforts.