His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed two official emissaries to speak on behalf of him in the international arena during an interactive session with youth leaders from different countries at Dharamshala, India. The Dalai Lama cited that the emissaries will attend international engagements as he would not be able to attend all such programs due to tiredness in long distance travels.
“Because he may not be able to maintain a regular international travel schedule, he said, the president of Tibet’s current government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, along with prominent Buddhist scholar and former prime minister in exile, Samdong Rinpoche, would act as his official emissaries.” said the report in VOA.
As recorded in the video while meeting with a group of international youth leaders brought to Dharmsala, India, by the Washington-based Institute of Peace, His Holiness says that he is now 82 years old and since last year, his feeling of tiredness has been much increased. He also introduced that these two trusted friends know his thinking, since their works should be more actively engaged in the international arena, he told that he has full trust in them.
“Looking to the dialogue moderator, USIP President Nancy Lindborg, the Dalai Lama said: “If your side … or your government’s side” has concerns, “then these two persons, either one, can participate as my representative or my personal emissary.” added the report.
Despite there are different opinions from different people over whether such an appointment could continue to represent Tibet on the international arena as done by His Holiness himself, the fact has been clear recently that His Holiness needed to have less hectic schedule and long distance travels has to be minimized as suggested by many followers and well wishers over the years. We have also seen recently frequent changes in his international engagements and that makes it clear that His Holiness wants the two emissaries to engage such important programs.