Tibetan parliament-in-exile congratulates Vajpayee, Malviya's son

The Tibetan parliament-in-exile Friday congratulated former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on being awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, along with late freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya.

Malviya's son was also sent a congratulatory message.

"The parliament-in-exile, on behalf of all the Tibetans, expresses our heartfelt congratulations to you (Vajpayee) on being awarded India's highest civilian award," the Tibetan parliament said.

"You are one of India's most outstanding prime ministers and are one of the charismatic leaders of all times. We thank you for your kind support extended towards our Tibetan cause," it said.

The Tibetan parliament also congratulated Satya Prakash Malviya, son of the late Madan Mohan Malviya, in a separate letter.

"While appreciating the government of India for this gesture towards your illustrious father, I take this opportunity to thank you for your valuable support for the cause of Tibet," Speaker Penpa Tsering wrote in the congratulatory message.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan-in- exile administration is based in this northern Indian hill town.