The twenty-second anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize was celebrated at the Main Temple, McLeod Ganj, on December 10.
The Kalon Tripa (Tibetan Prime Minister), Dr Lobsang Sangay, addressed an audience which included school children, families, monks and nuns, and peformers, as well as westerners and the media.
The event was also attended by chief justice commissioner, Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen, and other dignitaries and NGO representatives.
The evening before, in a coffee shop in McLeod Ganj, Tibetan monk and author, the Ven. Bagdro, spoke to me with enthusiasm about the new Kalon Tripa, describing him as ‘youthful and charismatic.’
In his speech, Lobsang Sangay asked for the release of all Tibetan political prisoners whilst urging the Tibetan people to refrain from self-violence. He acknowledged his concern and sympathy for the 14 Tibetans who self-immolated in 2011, reminding the audience that for Buddhists all life is precious, and encouraged the Tibetan people to continue their movement through their secular and monastic education. The Kalon Tripa thanked the Indian government for its ongoing kindness and hospitality to the Tibetan people over the past five decades. He also thanked liberal Chinese intellectuals who have shown their support for the peaceful Tibetan movement.
As an Australian I feel extremely privileged and humbled to have witnessed this public ceremony dedicated to the peaceful liberation of Tibetan soil and the Tibetan people.
May we all be inspired to action through talking to our own governments and friends in order to keep this peaceful momentum alive and well.
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