Lobsang Sangay sworn-in for second term as Sikyong

DHARAMSALA, May 27: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today graced the occasion as Sikyong-elect Lobsang Sangay swore-in for his second term as the political head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in exile.

The ceremony was attended by thousands of Tibetans and Tibet supporters including Shri R K Khrimey, MLA and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh today at Tsug-lag-Khang, the main temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.

Mr Kargyu Dhondup, CTA’s Chief Justice Commissioner administered the oath to Sikyong-elect Lobsang Sangay to officially declare his second term as Sikyong, the political head of the Tibetan people.

Sikyong Sangay began his inaugural speech by thanking His Holiness for graciously gracing the occasion and expressed his delight for His Holiness’ reaffirmation to live for long and healthy life.

Sikyong promised the full commitment of Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) in fulfilling and restoring freedom for Tibetans and His Holiness’ return to Tibet during his life time.

Sikyong Sangay then thanked the Tibetan people in exile for electing him for a second term.

“I vow to serve sincerely with my full capacity as all the Tibetans, irrespective of provincial and religious background, shares the same aspiration of restoring the spirit of oneness as brothers and sisters. I hope that Tibetans inside as well as outside Tibet will continue to extend their support and solidarity in my effort,” Sikyong said.

Sikyong Sangay then offered his sincere apology for the decline in morality within the Tibetan community during the proceedings of the election which disappointed and saddened His Holiness.

“We incessantly beg His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his forgiveness and resolutely pledge not to repeat such misconduct in future.”

Sikyong urged all Tibetans to avoid divisive affiliations and stand strong in unity and harmony. He also promised that the 15th Kashag will carry on its tasks based on the 14th Kashag’s founding principles of unity, innovation and self-reliance.

“Efforts will be made to introduce new projects wherever and whenever necessary to improve political and administrative efficiency,” Sikyong stated.

Sikyong also condemned the Dolgyal followers for making baseless allegations in the name of religion.

“They are a bunch of misguided and ignorant Tibetans and foreigners used and misused by the Chinese government to saw a seed of disunity among the Tibetan people,” he said and pledged to confront them in the future.

Introducing his 5-50 strategy, Sikyong said, “Either in 5 years we will have genuine autonomy through Middle Way approach or in next 50 years because changes in China are inevitable. So hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” Sikyong told the Tibetans gathered at his swearing-in ceremony.

On behalf of all the Tibetans, Sikyong expressed his gratitude to India and Himachal state government for their continuous help and support and concluded his address with a prayer for the long life His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

“May all his wishes be fulfilled. Above all, may the day for the union of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet come very soon, long live His Holiness, Long Live Tibet,” he concluded.

His Holiness in his address talked about the significance of Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

“Geographically, Tibet is defined as the roof of the world and at the same time philosophically, our language and Nalanda Tibetan Buddhist culture stands at the top too. Over the years I have met with scholars, scientist and spiritual leaders. After interacting with these people, I realized that the Tibetan Buddhist tradition derived from the Nalanda tradition of India is among the best, primarily because it is based on scientific analysis and logic study,” His Holiness said.

His Holiness, having devolved his political responsibility to the Sikyong elected by the Tibetan people since 2011, also assured to take responsibility on matters concerning Tibet’s religion and culture.

Commenting on the recently concluded election, His Holiness stressed on the decline in the morality of Tibetan people.

“I was disappointed to see the decline in morality and the emergence of regional loyalty during the election campaign. It is a very shameful act,” His Holiness said and urging his people to uphold unity and harmony, he added “The Tibetan dharma kings from the 7th century united the three provinces of Tibet and for centuries, we have preserved our tradition and culture based on this unity. Therefore, we should avoid this distorted sense of loyalty to regions and move on as one.”