What are the three resolutions that were passed in the Tibetan Religious Conference?The first resolution, based on the video message that His Holiness sent to the religious conference, is that we will abide by all the decisions that His Holiness has made, and we shall make it widely available to the general public.The second one is about the Chinese government’s bad intentions. Whatever they do, we shall not accept it now or in the future.The third one is about committing oneself to the unity of all religious traditions, and carrying forward the guidance that His Holiness has given.His Holiness said on July 2 that the institution of the Dalai Lama shall continue and that his reincarnation will be found by the Gaden Phodrang Trust. What will be the process for this?His Holiness has always said that he is going to live for two decades or more. So, there’s a long way to go. We Tibetans think that it is too early to talk about reincarnation. But the world wants to know, so His Holiness came out with this statement.When he has reassured us that he will live for two more decades, we don’t want to make announcements about his reincarnation 10, 15, or 20 years before he dies. Whenever the time comes, whenever His Holiness feels it is the right time, there may be some more clarifications. For the moment, I know that the media had been expecting that His Holiness may appoint somebody by way of emanation, but if you read his statement, it is clear that it is not going to be an ‘emanation’, rather it shall be a ‘reincarnation’.Also Read | The Dalai Lama, his successor, and ChinaBut these questions have arisen due to the statement by His Holiness more than a decade ago, when he said that he would announce his reincarnation plans when he turned 90.Story continues below this adThere has been lots of speculation. When he is asked whether the next Dalai Lama could be a woman, he answers, “why not!” Whenever he talks about compassion, he compares it to a mother’s love for her child, which is pure love. When he is asked whether the next Dalai Lama could be by way of emanation, he answers, “why not!” Reincarnation is the most natural thing.How do you look at His Holiness’ decisions about the institution of the Dalai Lama and the role of the Gaden Phodrang Trust?I once met a senior politician in the West who told me that you don’t seem to have a process in place. I replied that that could be his personal view. Some of us there in China, here in India, and in the rest of the world believe that the decision that His Holiness has taken is very smart. Because, if there’s one thing that China cannot handle, it is unpredictability. If His Holiness decides everything now, China will then use its political, military, and economic power to coerce other governments to take a position… Many countries are economically dependent on China. They have all the resources, financial and human; we don’t have that much. They will use it to their advantage. That’s the reason people say that His Holiness’ decision is very wise.His Holiness has committed to the continuation of the Gaden Phodrang institution, and indicated towards his rebirth. More clarity will be difficult at this stage. If you want to look at the reincarnation process, you can look at how the 13th Dalai Lama and the 14th Dalai Lama were reincarnated. There was no Golden Urn, nothing. We shall be following the traditional Buddhist practices.How exactly will this unpredictability counter Chinese propaganda?It is pretty simple. They are saying three things.Story continues below this adOne, they will look for His Holiness’ reincarnation within China, and His Holiness’ response is that he will be born in the free world. That answers two questions – that there is no freedom in China or Tibet, and that if Tibet or China are not free, his Holiness will not be born there.Two, they talk about the Golden Urn, which was introduced in 1793 when there was little influence of the Qing dynasty over the Tibetans. That was mainly to be used as a political tool, which the Communist Party of China is doing as well – but the difference is the Qings were also Buddhist in some way, while the Communist Party does not believe in any religion.There were eight Dalai Lamas before 1793. If you consider the Golden Urn as the be-all, then were the eight Dalai Lamas before 1793 not Dalai Lamas? Even after the introduction of the Golden Urn in 1793, it was used only on two occasions, and that too after the selections had already been done.The Chinese say that we broke the tradition; it is rather they who broke the tradition in 1793, while we have followed our own traditional methods of identifying the reincarnation.Story continues below this ad[China’s] Third point is that the government should approve the reincarnation. But how can a government that does not believe in any religion or in the concept of life after death, be responsible for approval of the Lamas? It is absurd. Lots of research is being done globally on reincarnation, not only with His Holiness but with many Lamas. There are many who are reincarnated, but levels are different. What China says won’t hold water.What has been the international response to His Holiness’ statement?The United States amended the 2002 Tibet Policy Act into the Tibet Support and Policy Act of 2020 during President Trump’s first term. Now we have to work with other democratic governments who share similar values, such as Canada, Europe. Let’s wait for one or two days, they may issue some statements. Since we are going to celebrate His Holiness’ birthday throughout the year as the “Year of Compassion”, we will work on more governments from the democratic free world. We cannot reach out to authoritarian regimes or economically weak countries because they are under the influence of China. It is up to the international community to decide who [among China and the Tibetans] has the better logic. So many things are happening globally. We will have to watch situations, assess challenges, look for opportunities and try to work strategically on all fronts.President Trump has recently cut Tibetan funding. How has it impacted you?We became collateral damage when the US government decided to cut down on all foreign assistance. Since then, we have been vigorously, relentlessly working with the US government to get it back. I spent two weeks in April-May in Washington DC.Story continues below this adI was in Canada when I learnt that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had testified to Congress that oversight over funding would be given to the regional offices, which means the embassies. I came to India and met with the US embassy. We were assured that a review was ongoing, and we should be a little patient. I told them that Buddhists are naturally patient, but we have to keep reminding them of their assurances.Also Read | Meet the 13 reincarnations before the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin GyatsoFour days back, we received this communication that out of the 12 million USD that have been cut from USAID, 7 million USD has been restored. We have been at the forefront of countering China for six and a half decades. Our work aligns with US interests. That’s why part of it [USAID funding] is back.What has been the Indian government’s response?The Indian government is like a parent. If children have a problem, they have nowhere to go but their parents. Without the Government of India, we do not exist. We have to understand that. Without their support – humanitarian and other support – our administration does not exist. Then there is no Tibetan struggle.Have you got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi?Story continues below this adFor the last several years, the Prime Minister has been sending messages. This year, I don’t know, because he will be at the BRICS summit in Brazil. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju is reaching tomorrow (July 5). Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu will be here. Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang is not likely to make it because of some other engagements, but his representative is coming. There are several others.We have also saved December 10 for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhwinder Sukhu, since we shall be celebrating His Holiness’ birthday throughout the year. That’s to mark His Holiness’ day of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The Hon’ble CM (Sukhu) will attend the program and then continue with the Vidhan Sabha session here in Dharamshala.How is His Holiness’ health?Except for his knee, His Holiness always says he is feeling good. He sometimes shows his teeth and says that even at age 90, he hasn’t lost a single tooth, whereas I have already got five [teeth] implanted. So, that’s also a sign that he will live long.All his travel engagements have been reduced, teachings have been reduced, meetings have been reduced, including those with the media. But he continues to meet with around 1,000 people every week. That’s how His Holiness keeps himself busy.Story continues below this adHis knee has recovered pretty well. We want to make sure that he is not physically stressed.