Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered condolences on the passing away of US Congressman and Civil rights icon John Lewis yesterday. He expressed his sadness at the latter’s passing away while noting the great legacy of the deceased civil rights pioneer whose impact on the civil rights movement and US politics remains a huge inspiration for Americans and activists across the world.
In his Condolence message Dalai Lama said,“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman John Lewis. He was not only a leader of the American civil rights movement; his principled commitment to non-violence and justice made him an inspiration and a moral beacon to the world at large. Like millions of people throughout the world, I am an admirer of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Whenever I talk about non-violence, I cite the examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Dr Martin Luther King. Congressman Lewis not only knew Dr King but also gave him crucial support. Although I did not have the privilege of meeting Dr King myself, in meeting Congressman Lewis, I feel I have made a direct connection with him.”
The Tibetan Leader further said, “Through his principled adherence to the fundamental democratic values of liberty, equality and justice, Congressman Lewis won admiration even among those who did not share his political outlook. In the course of many years of public service, he inspired many Americans to take up the cause of justice and peace through non-violence. Although he is no more, his personal example remains to inspire Americans to make their country and the wider world a better place for everyone.”
Tibetan PM in Exile (Sikyong) Dr. Lobsang Sangay have also condoled the death of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, saying history has been fortunate enough to witness the achievements of great individuals who left an indelible mark in this world with their courage and service to the mankind and Congressman John Lewis was among those great individuals.
In his condolence letter Sikyong added, “With great sadness, I on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people express our condolences to the family of Congressman John Lewis, the US Congress and the people of the United States on his passing”.
“Though we all mourn this loss in a time where the world is in need of such leaders, the legacy of Congressman John Lewis will continue to serve as an inspiration in the face of injustice” said Sikyong Dr. Sangay.
The US Congressman was an ally of the Tibetan cause who had cosigned petitions with bipartisan support to urge the US government to resolve the Tibet issue and make it a priority of US advocacy.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
