If We End Up With Two Dalai Lamas India Should Not Endorse Either of Them: Former Foreign Secretary

5 hours ago 5

If we end up with two Dalai Lamas India should not endorse either of them: former Foreign Secretary, Nirupama Rao, to Karan Thapar, for The Wire. .......................................... In an interview to discuss the Dalai Lama succession and the implications for India, including, most importantly, it’s relationship with China, Nirupama Rao, a former Foreign Secretary, has said that if we end up with two Dalai Lamas India should not endorse either of them. She said: “India should continue hosting the Tibetan tradition without formally recognizing one Dalai Lama selected by China over the other chosen by the Tibetan people here in India. This isn’t about taking sides … the intention is to avoid escalation and confrontation.” However, in a 25-minute interview to Karan Thapar for The Wire, Rao, who is also a former Ambassador to China and America, accepted that if we do end up with two Dalai Lamas, one chosen by Beijing and the other by the present Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Trust, it’s likely to create tensions between India and China. I will stop there. There’s a lot more in this interview that you will discover when you watch it. Rao talks about contradictions in the Chinese position on how the Dalai Lama should be chosen. She also talks about tensions that could appear between Washington D.C. and Beijing over this issue. Towards the end of the interview, Rao speaks at length about the close relationship between India and what she calls the Tibetan tradition. India should see itself as “the custodian of the flame of the Tibetan tradition”. She said: “If, as expected, the next Dalai Lama is born in India, the country will become more than host – it will become the caretaker of the lineage. The young reincarnate’s education, his monastic training, his symbolic authority – all of it will unfold on Indian soil. India may say little. It may issue no declarations. But it will be, in every meaningful sense, the ground on which the Tibetan tradition stakes its future.” To help you, I give below the main questions asked of Rao. Here they are:- 1) The Dalai Lama has said that his successor will be a reincarnation, born outside China and identified by the Gaden Phodrang Trust set up by him. Is this as close to the traditional Tibetan way of choosing the Dalai Lama as present-day circumstances permit? 2) On the other hand, China has said that the next Dalai Lama must be approved by the Beijing government and is likely to be chosen through the “Golden Urn” process, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. That’s an anathema to the Tibetan people. So, do we have the potential of a pretty serious clash between Beijing and Dharamshala? 3) China is a Communist country which, presumably, views Buddhism or any religion as an opium. Yet they want the deciding role in choosing the next Dalai Lama, and that’s a religious function. Isn’t there a contradiction here? 4) In 1995 Beijing replaced the Panchen Lama chosen in the traditional way with their own preference but he’s never been accepted by the Tibetan people. Won’t that also be the case with whoever the Chinese choose as the next Dalai Lama? 5) Now the United States in 2020 passed the Tibet Policy and Support Act which imposes sanctions on any Chinese officials that interfere in the process of selecting the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders. If America adheres to this, won’t we have serious differences between Washington and Beijing? Join The Wire's Youtube Membership and get exclusive content, member-only emojis, live interaction with The Wire's founders, editors and reporters and much more. Memberships to The Wire Crew start at Rs 89/month. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ/join

The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens

Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.

Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.

The Need for Upilink News

In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.

Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.

Our Unique Approach

What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.

We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.

Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.

The Role of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.

Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters

Free Access for All

At Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.

Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism

To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.

By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.

Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability

In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.

In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.

Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.