NEW DELHI: CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay attended a prayer service yesterday to mourn the demise of Shmt Janaki Devi, mother of BJP general secretary Shri Ram Madhav in New Delhi.
The prayer service was attended by Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India, along with ministers, diplomats and dignitaries from across India. Letters of condolences from the president, prime minister of India and His Holiness the Dalai Lama were read at the service.
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay was one of the three people who addressed the prayer service to deliver their condolences.
In his condolence remarks, Dr Sangay applauded Shmt Janaki Devi’s passion for life. He described her as a kind and compassionate soul whose deep commitment to justice and freedom for all inspired many including himself.
“As a person, she was simple and humble, kind and compassionate. As a teacher, she was strict but caring, helping shape the careers of hundreds of students. As a scholar of Sanskrit, she dedicated her life for ancient culture, ethos and values,” Dr Sangay said.
“She was passionate about learning the ancient traditions of India including Buddhism. As a human being, she had seen almost everything in her lifetime: the second world war, the Indian freedom movement, India’s independence, the cold war, etc. She has also seen the massive transformation of India in the last 70 years. And I am sure she must be pleased to see the progress India made in the last century,” he said.
“As someone who has experienced injustice and the freedom struggle first hand, she was a deep believer in justice and fairness for all. In that context, she supported issues like the Tibet cause for which we Tibetans are grateful,” he expressed.
Dr Sangay also lauded her for passing her conviction and commitments to her children who now carry forward her noble service of working for the public and the nation. “Her belief in justice and freedom is now clearly passed on to her children. She gave a son like Ram Madhav ji who I can proudly call my good friend. He has dedicated his life to the service of the people and this great country of India,” he said.
Recounting the exact moment he heard of Shmt Janaki Devi’s demise, Dr Sangay said: “When I heard the news, I was on my way to seek an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness the Dalai Lama closed his eyes and prayed for Janaki Devi ji. As a Tibetan this is the ultimate blessing one can ever dream of.”
Shri Ram Madhav was joined by his siblings and family members at the prayer service.
Shri Ram Madhav, general secretary of BJP at the prayer service.
Dignaitaries including CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay at the prayer service for Shmt Janaki Devi, late mother of Shri Ram Madhav, BJP General secretary in New Delhi.
CTA president Dr Lobsang Sangay at the prayer service.