TPIE Unanimously Passes Five-Point Resolution Expressing Gratitude to the Dalai Lama
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 12 Sept: The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) unanimously passed a five-point resolution expressing gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his lifelong service to the Tibetan people, including his leadership in preserving Tibetan culture, unifying the Tibetan people, and promoting global peace.
The resolution endorsed the Dalai Lama’s recent statement on the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution while firmly rejecting any interference by the Chinese government in the reincarnation process.
The resolution, tabled by Parliamentarian Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten and seconded by Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen, was unanimously adopted on the second day of the session, 11 September.
It further expressed profound appreciation for His Holiness’s role in guiding Tibet’s transition from a theocratic governance system to a democratic polity in exile, his efforts in unifying the three traditional provinces of Tibet, and his tireless work to preserve and promote Buddhism worldwide as a source of global peace.
Although the resolution was adopted unanimously, several MPs highlighted the importance of distinguishing “unity” from “uniformity” within the Tibetan community. They cautioned that unity should not come at the cost of suppressing differing views and perspectives.
Parliamentarian Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar remarked that she personally regards the democracy gifted by His Holiness to the Tibetan people as his most significant contribution, precisely because it is meant to embrace diverse opinions.
She stressed that Tibetan democracy, as an exile democracy shaped by a political cause, must operate in alignment with that reality. She cautioned, however, that while unification is central to sustaining the exile struggle, equating unity with uniformity risks silencing diverse opinions. For democracy to remain true to its purpose, she argued, differing views must be heard and respected rather than homogenized under the guise of unity.
She urged fellow MPs to make the effort to listen to and understand differing viewpoints, even when disagreements persist.
MP Serta Tsultrim stated that every individual has the right to hold differing perspectives, adding that to claim unification is impossible without uniformity of views is untenable.
He emphasised that although a small handful of Tibetans may oppose His Holiness, the overwhelming majority revere and acknowledge the Dalai Lama’s immense contributions as their spiritual leader. He therefore cautioned against portraying divergent views as unlawful or contrary to His Holiness’s wishes.
