Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said he would continue to fight for the Tibetan cause till the end but in a different capacity.
"I am 76 now. The responsibility should be taken over in a spirit as if I am no longer present. I will continue working for Tibet till I die, but in a different capacity where I will be good and most efficient," the Tibetan temporal head said in response to appeals by his community to continue his leadership.
The Dalai Lama made the remarks on Tuesday at the Sera monastery, Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement here.
He was responding to a resolution passed at the first Tibetan National General Meeting, that appealed to him to continue his leadership and not to consider retirement from his position as the leader of the Tibetan people and the Tibetan cause.
The Tibetan leader mentioned his "inevitable" absence in due course and that he is already in a state of semi-retirement.
"One day, I will retire from all present responsibilities in the exile government. In our Tibetan democracy, it is not a necessity that I should be present," said the Tibetan leader.
In an expression that suggested gradual transfer of all responsibility and power to Prime Minister-in-Exile (Kalon Tripa), he went on to suggest that important documents of the exile government should seek Tripa's signature.
Advocating the middle path, he said it was the most practical and also beneficial to both the Tibetan and Chinese sides.
On September 2, Tibetans will commemorate the 50th founding anniversary of Tibetan democracy, during which their Parliament will honour the Dalai Lama with a Golden Sealђ for leading the Tibetan freedom struggle and for establishing democracy in Tibetan polity.
Over 30 Tibetan Parliament members from 14 different countries, legislators of Karnataka and local dignitaries will attend the event which will also see the launch of a new version of the Central Tibetan Administration's Chinese language website.
The site features the Dalai Lama's biography, his efforts on promotion of human values, religious harmony, besides Tibet's history, culture, language and religion.
