Tibetan PM to address Parliament of World's Religions in Australia

The seven-day parliament, which opened on 3 December in Melbourne, is expected to draw as many as 8,000 individuals from virtually every world religion and faith group. Among those expected to participate are such international figures as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and theologian Hans Kung.

Tibetan PM will also take part in a function in Melbourne on 10 December to commemorate 20th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Prof Samdong Rinpoche will leave New Delhi for Australia on 6 December.

Earlier on 1 December, Prof Samdong Rinpoche attended a conference on the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in the present day context, held at at Una, some 117 km from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. Former chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Laxmi Sharma, presided over the seminar that was held at Himotkarsh Women's College.

In his address, Prof Samdong Rinpoche said following the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi was the only option to ensure peace in the world.

The Tibetans were also following the principles of perseverance and tolerance like Mahatma Gandhi to attain freedom, Prof Samdong Rinpoche said.

Prof Samdong Rinpoche said while the Tibetan community did not possess adequate resources to mobilise the support of international community, they have been receiving support from people all over the world for their cause towards genuine autonomy.

Tibetan prime minister also briefed the media on the Tibetan people's peaceful demonstrations against five decades of Chinese government's repressive policies last year and the subsequent violent crackdown resulting in death of more than 250 Tibetans.

From 2 - 3 December, Prof Samdong Rinpoche visited Bija Vidyapeeth, located on Navdanya's organic farm in Doon Valley, to speak on Mahatma Gandhi and globalisation. Bija Vidyapeeth is an educational initiative which offers a unique opportunity to explore and practice the art and science of sustainability and democracy through interactions with the foremost intellectuals.