Tibetan-in-exile remembers Fernandes

Dharmshala: Dalai Lama expressed his condolences over the death of his longtime friend, a staunch Tibet supporter and the former Defence Minister of India, George Fernandes.

In his condolence letter to Leila Kabir, His Holiness wrote, “I am saddened to learn of the passing away of my friend, Mr George Fernandes after a prolonged illness. I offer my condolences to you and your family members at this great loss.”

“I had the privilege of knowing him for over five decades during which we met regularly, and as you know, I continued to visit him after he retired from active politics. I admired him greatly because he dedicated himself to what he believed in, no matter how difficult the situation was. Mr Fernandes was a great humanitarian and believer in truth. Throughout his life, he was a voice to millions of poor and needy people of the country. He had firm conviction for justice and wisdom. He was a real heroic leader.”

Dalai lama added, “He was a steady friend who was sympathetic to the Tibetan cause right from the beginning. He never missed an opportunity to speak up for the Tibetan people as well as for others in similar situation.”

“Although George and I are from different religious traditions, as a Buddhist I am confident he would be reborn yet again to serve his country, in particular, the cause of the less privileged people.”

“As I had told him during our meetings over the years, I will always remember him,” said Dalai Lama .

President of Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay condoled the demise of former Defence Minister George Fernandes and remembered him as “the strongest voice on Tibet and a truly a great friend of Tibet.” George Fernandes, 88, passed away early on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness.

“I had the privilege of meeting George Fernandes on a number of occasions and events during my days at Delhi University from 1988-94. He was then the strongest voice on Tibet whether he was serving inside or outside the government,” said President Dr Sangay.

“We lost a truly great friend of Tibet. May his soul be reborn soon and continue to serve for the betterment of humanity, India and Tibet.”

President further recalled, “During his tenure as Defence Minister, George Fernandes was the first Indian official to call out China as the No. 1 enemy of India, which Indian people are now realising as true.”

Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Pema Jungney offered his condolence on behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Tibetans in and outside of Tibet, over the demise of Former Defence Minister of India, George Fernandes.

In the condolence letter, Speaker expresses sadness over the demise of Former Defence Minister George Fernandes and offered condolence to the surviving family member.