In a bold show of solidarity with the Tibetan cause, an all-party parliamentary group has written to the Indian government, requesting that the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, be awarded to Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
The letter, submitted by the Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, also urged the Centre to permit the Dalai Lama to address a joint session of Parliament, a symbolic gesture likely to provoke a strong response from China.
Cross-Party Support for Tibetan Leader
According to The Economic Times, the forum includes MPs from various parties such as the BJP, BJD, and JD(U). The appeal followed a resolution adopted during the group’s second official meeting this month.
The forum is led by BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sujeeth Kumar, and comprises ten parliamentarians. To further the initiative, the group launched a signature campaign to push for the honour
“We have initiated a signature campaign to award Bharat Ratna to His Holiness Dalai Lama. Many MPs have come forward, and some of them have sent video messages supporting the campaign. We will be writing to the Speaker of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to convene a joint sitting, which will be addressed by His Holiness,”
— Sujeeth Kumar, Convenor of the Forum
Beijing’s Past Reaction and Political Risk
The forum’s previous meeting in December 2023 had already attracted criticism from Beijing, and this fresh resolution could escalate tensions further.
Forum members include BJP leaders Ashok Bajpai, Lahar Singh Siroya, Vinay Dinu Tendulkar, Tapir Gao, and Rajendra Agrawal. The group also recently took a firm stand against China’s claim to appoint the next Dalai Lama, stating that Tibetans alone must decide his reincarnation.
Proposal for Mass Rally and Address in Central Hall
Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao proposed a mass rally to show public support for the Tibetan cause and suggested the Dalai Lama address the Central Hall of Parliament.
“He further suggested that the Dalai Lama address the Central Hall of the Parliament on topics such as peace and compassion,”
— Forum Resolution
The group also praised a pro-Tibet bill passed by the US Congress and encouraged similar legislation in India.
Call to Implement Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy
During the meeting, members urged the implementation of the 2014 Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy. They appealed to fellow MPs to visit Tibetan settlements and coordinate with local administrations to ensure the availability of basic amenities.
“We have requested all the MPs to reach out to the district administration and respective state governments so that land and amenities such as roads, electrification and drinking water are ensured for Tibetan rehabilitation,”
— Sujeeth Kumar
According to the policy, state governments must lease Tibetan refugee land for 20 years, provide rent tenancy certificates, and ensure inclusion in welfare and infrastructure schemes.
The Home Ministry has previously directed states to support Tibetan communities, ensuring their land remains undisturbed and that they receive facilities like roads, electricity, and clean water.
China has not yet reacted to this recent development.