Photo: Lobsang Dhamchoe/Contact
The 59th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day was observed and celebrated at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Dharamshala on September 2. Masses of Tibetans in exile and foreigners gathered to be a part of this memorable occasion.
The Chief Guest for the event was Smt Sarveen Chaudhary, Honorable Minister of Urban Development/Town and Country Planning, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Special Guest was Mr Jamphel Wangdue, Religion and Culture Council Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh.
Smt Chaudhary in her keynote address underlined the wonderful democracy the Tibetans have formed and their non-violent approach in fighting for their freedom under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She made special mention of the effort to preserve Tibetan cultural heritage and religion saying that it serves as an example on a global scale and congratulated the entire Tibetan community.
Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, on behalf of the Kashag [Cabinet of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile] and the Tibetan people, offered respect and gratitude to His Holiness for the gift of democracy. He spoke about the religious and cultural persecution in Tibet, with the destruction of sacred artefacts under illegal Chinese occupation and the forcible eviction of several thousand monks and nuns from Yachen Gar Buddhist Academy.
Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Information Secretary, expressed deep concerns over the Chinese rule which has disconnected Tibet from the rest of the world. He said that the destruction of the Yachen Gar Monastery is a loss for world heritage at large and urged the Chinese leadership to respect Tibet’s religious and cultural values.
Honourable Speaker Pema Jungney spoke about the rise of Tibetan democracy and the need in drafting the Charter of Tibetans-in-exile, understanding the need for elections, and exercising the right to vote. He underscored the importance of grassroots democracy and spoke about strengthening it through workshops organised for local Tibetan Assemblies and representatives from independent bodies. He expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness for his leadership based on principles of freedom, truthfulness and equality.
Photo: Lobsang Dhamchoe/Contact
This was followed by an award ceremony where achievers from different spheres were felicitated and a short cultural programme.
This significant day was also marked in the London Borough of Waltham Forest Council in the United Kingdom with the ceremonial hoisting of the Tibetan national flag outside the Town Hall, for the second year in a row. This was organised by Councillor Kastriot Berberi with the joint collaboration of the Office of Tibet, London and the Tibetan Community in Britain.
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