Message from
    His Holiness the Dalai Lama

     
    The establishment of the CHICAGO TIBET CENTER by Mr. Tsering Tashi, a former senior staff of the Tibetan government in exile, who is now living in Chicago under the U.S.-Tibetan Resettlement Program, is most encouraging. I have always admired people who dedicate their time and energy toward the service of the larger Tibetan interests and goals.
     
    Tibet today is passing through a very difficult period. The repressive measures being taken by the Chinese authorities to undermine the Tibetan culture, religion and way of life is a cause for serious concern. The unabated influx of Chinese immigrants to Tibet is reducing the Tibetans to an insignificant minority in their own country. Nevertheless the spirit of the Tibetan people remains strong and I am optimistic about the future of Tibet. This is to a large extent because of the wide international support that the issue of Tibet is gaining.
     
    I very much laud the objectives of the CHICAGO TIBET CENTER to promote the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan culture. I believe that the success of the center will depend much on the cooperation and support of our American friends that I hope will be forthcoming. I have no doubt that if smoothly run the center will go a long way in benefiting both the Tibetans and the Americans.
     
    December 31, 1998