Hundreds of Tibetans gathered at Tsugla Khang courtyard, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, for the celebration of the 55th Tibetan Democracy day on September 2, organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) or Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
Maneka Gandhi, the Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development in India
Photo:Contact/Lha
The event was graced by the presence of Maneka Gandhi, the Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development in India, and Shanta Kumar, the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Union Minister in the Central Government of India.
Sikyong, Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the CTA, addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for gifting democracy and initiating the democratic system for the wellbeing of the Tibetan people. Sikyong said, “This gift has been the most inspiring and transformative experience to the Tibetan people.”
The Kashag’s statement for the occasion briefly explained about the evolution of the Tibetan democracy system. The statement also mentioned that there is no cause for celebration given what is happening in Tibet, this is referring to Beijing’s current celebration of the 50th anniversary of their “Tibet Autonomous Region”.
The Kashag reaffirmed its commitment to the Middle Way Approach, saying that dialogue is the only viable solution to resolve the issue of Tibet.
Maneka Gandhi, the guest of the honour, spoke about her family’s long association with the Tibetan movement. The Minister for Women and Child Development said she appreciated the Tibetan spirit to love and nurture their traditions, even in exile life. “We know the struggle will be long and hard and we in India appreciate your bravery and today we celebrate the gift by His Holiness (the Dalai Lama). I assure you that we will see that your stay in India and association with us will be a happy one,” she said.
Student’s performance at the celebration of the 55th Tibetan Democracy Day
Photo:Contact/Lha
Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile in his address condemned Chinese injustice and the deteriorating situation inside Tibet. Referring to the self-immolations, he urged the United Nations Human Rights Council and countries that love democracy, justice and freedom to bring emphatic pressure on the government of China.
The heads of the CTA departments and other Indian dignitaries were also present at the event to take part in the celebrations. They joined with everyone who had gathered there to enjoy the highlight of the day,a pageant of cultural dances and songs by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, students and other groups.
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