Dharamshala: During the Zero Hour in the Indian Parliament on 16th December 2024, Shri Tapir Gao, Member of Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh and Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT), delivered a significant on His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In his address, Shri Gao urged the Indian government to officially recognize the institution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to honor His Holiness with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his global contribution to peace, non-violence, and religious harmony.

Shri Gao also highlighted the critical importance of India preparing for the eventual reincarnation and succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, particularly in light of China’s efforts to unilaterally appoint its own 15th Dalai Lama.

These remarks were made in the context of rising concerns over China’s interference in Tibetan religious matters and the potential consequences for both the Tibetan community and India. This address marks another important moment in the ongoing efforts of Indian parliamentarians to advocate for Tibet and strengthen India’s commitment to the Tibetan cause.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, on behalf of all Tibetan people, extended his deepest gratitude to Shri Tapir Gao, for taking Zero Hour in the Indian Parliament to deliver a speech about Tibet at the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet’s meeting on 17th December 2024 in Delhi.

Sharing a clip of his speech on his social media handle, Shri Tapir Gao wrote, “During Zero Hour today in Parliament, I urged the Government to recognize The Dalai Lama Institution, as the Chinese government’s decision in 1959 to appoint the XVth Dalai Lama poses a grave threat not only to Buddhism but also to the Tibetan people and the future of Tibet. India and the world must act decisively to recognize the rightful successor, safeguarding both religious and cultural integrity, and ensuring global support for the cause. I also called for conferring the highest civilian honor, Bharat Ratna, upon His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to peace, compassion, humanity, and universal brotherhood. This long-pending demand reflects the collective sentiment of the people, as His Holiness remains a true Messiah of Peace and a beacon of hope for the world.”