Decision to quit to further democratise Tibetan society: Dalai

The Dalai Lama said his decision to pass on political authority to elected representatives was aimed at further democratising Tibetan society and had not resulted from any loss of hope on his part in Tibet’s struggle for independence.

In his brief speech at a ceremony organised here by the Central Tibetan Administration to pray for his long life,the spiritual leader said,he had taken the decision to devolve formal authority not out of giving up or losing hope for Tibet’s struggle but for the long-term benefit of the Tibetan people.

He said his decision,which is aimed at further democratising the Tibetan society,is being commended by the international community and asked the Tibetan administration in exile to explain this to people in Tibet whenever the opportunity arises.

The ceremony was attended by Kalon Tripa (PM)-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche and the entire administrative staff which prayed for the Tibetan spiritual leader’s long life and

pledged to work with greater dedication and sincerity to fulfil his vision.