Photo: tibet.net
Tibetans in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile and residence of their spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, gathered in festive mood on September 2 in the courtyard of the main temple to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy day. The Chief Guest of the occasion was Mr Kunwar Bharatendra Singh, Lok Sabha (Lower House), member of the Indian parliament along with officials of the Tibetan Government-in-exile.
Photo: tibet.net
Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, head of the exile government,gave a brief history of the evolution of Tibetan democracy as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the 1950s, and which His Holiness implemented after coming into exile.
Sangyay in his statement said “Under the leadership of His Holiness, the Central Tibetan Administration is committed to preserving our identity and pursuing our dignity.”Sikyong also reminded people that with democracy comes responsibility and urged people not to misuse freedom of expression to spread wrong information and cause disharmony in the community.
In 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama completely devolved political authority to Dr LobsangSangay,the Harvard Law Graduate and present incumbent President of the exile government,who became the first democratically elected leader.
The Chief Guest at the event on September 2, Mr Kunwar Bharatendra Singh, applauded the exile government for giving priority to preserving the Tibetan identity, culture and religion while developing the essence of a modern democracy.
Photo: tibet.net
Speaking of the Middle Way policy as the official policy of the exile Tibetan government, Mr Kunwar said “I hope all the parliaments of the world will accept this universalism. India, China and Tibet will have a very close relationship but it is unfortunate that China is overlooking the basic quality of humanitarianism.”
Speaker of the Tibetan Government-in-exile Khenpo Tenphel also addressed the gathering.
The official function was followed by cultural dance performances by students from various Tibetan schools in Dharamshala.
The full statements of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and the Kashag [Cabinet] are available online.
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