George Fernandes was the voice of poor: Dalai Lama

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, January 29

The Dalai Lama expressed grief on the death of former Union Defence Minister and his long time friend, George Fernandes.

In his condolence letter to Leila Kabir, ex-wife of George Fernandes, the Dalai Lama wrote, “I am saddened to learn of the passing away of my friend, George Fernandes, after a prolonged illness. I offer my condolences to you and your family members at this great loss.”

He discribed Fernandes as a great humanitarian. He said he was a voice to millions of poor and needy people of the country. He had firm conviction for justice and wisdom.

He was a real heroic leader, he said. He further said he was sympathetic to the Tibetan cause right from the beginning.

He never missed an opportunity to speak up for the Tibetan people as well as for others in similar situation.

President of CTA, Lobsang Sangay, condoled the death of George Fernandes and remembered him as “the strongest voice on Tibet and a truly a great friend of Tibet. First elected to the Lok Sabha in 1967, George Fernandes was one of the top leaders of the socialist movement in the 1970s. He served as a Union Cabinet Minister, holding important portfolios such as defence, railways and communications at the Centre. George Fernandes was a senior Janata Dal leader before he founded the Samata Party.