Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing the VIF faculty

Vivekananda International Foundation hosted Prime Minister-elect of Tibetian Government in Exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay for an informal interaction on 'Tibet: Assessment of Recent Developments' on June 22. This was his first formal/informal interaction after having been elected. The interaction began with Mr. Ajit Doval, Director VIF complimenting Dr. Lobsang Sangay for his election to the highest office and presenting an overview of Tibet which has strategic, political, cultural, and environmental significance not only for India but also for the whole world. The Director emphasized the centrality of Tibet in India - China relationship. With global balance of power increasingly gravitating towards Asia, Tibet’s strategic significance however gets underscored even more, especially because it remains sandwiched between two vital economies– China and India. The Prime Minister-elect Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that he felt bestowed with a great responsibility to fulfill the vision of His Holiness Dalai Lama which was to secure a secular and democratic society for the people of Tibet. Displaying acumen of an astute politician, the young Prime Minister-elect however skillfully answered some of the politically sensitive questions thrown at him by the spirited audience which comprised many eminent personalities and experts on the Tibetan issues. The vote of thanks was passed by Ambassador TCA Rangachari.