Tibetans exiles conclude 12-hour 'Global Tibet Fast'

Dharamshala/Shimla, Aug 31: Tibetans in Dharamsala concluded 12-hour 'Global Tibet Fast' campaign spearheaded by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama to highlight the 'Tibetan cause.' The Dalai Lama, who was supposed to preside the 12-hour fast and prayer session, could not be present on account of ill health.

Thubten Samphel, spokesperson of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, hoped that the Dalai Lama would be traveling back to Dharamsala soon. The Dalai Lama was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai on Thursday, Aug 28and the doctors attributed his ill health to exhaustion. The 73-year-old Dalai Lama was admitted to a hospital with 'abdominal discomfort'. He had cancelled two foreign trips after complaining of fatigue.

In recent years, doctors have increased medical checks to ensure that the Dalai Lama stays in good health.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner had returned to Dharamsala on August 24 after a two-week visit to France mainly to give lectures on Buddhism, but during which he also criticised Chinese policies in Tibet.

Meanwhile, Tibetans-in-exile in Shimla also observed 12-hour fast and prayer for the world peace.

"In order to ease the negative emotions of Chinese and to accumulate good karma (deeds) for the Tibetans, we observed prayers," said Nawang, a Tibetan welfare officer.

ANI