Exhibition “Reclaiming History” in McLeod Ganj
Wednesday February 13 marked 100 years since the 13th Dalai Lama proclaimed Tibetan Independence, rightfully restoring Tibet as a sovereign nation after the short-lived invasion by the Chinese Manchu Army. Commemorating this important day, Tibetans and supporters worldwide joined in various public events, such as flag-raising ceremonies, exhibitions and demonstrations.
In Delhi, The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organized the 4th Preliminary International Rangzen Conference. Around 45 Rangzen activists and advocates, including 10 Indians from different organization took part, representing a wide range of Tibetan activists.
“It is the responsibility of each and every Tibetan to preserve the legacy of the Great 13th Dalai Lama and uphold the truth of an independent and sovereign Tibet” said Dhondup Lhadar, vice-president of TYC Central Executive Committee. TYC called on Tibetans to unite and fulfill the ultimate aspiration of the Tibetan people of the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to an independent Tibet. The Conference discussed 2 major agenda items: “To assert the essential purpose and goal of restoring independence of Tibet and develop the conviction and confidence of Rangzen advocates”; and “To develop plans and strategies to restore Tibetan Independence”.
Also in Delhi, a marathon, “Run for Tibet”, was organized at the Delhi University campus. Moreover, demonstrations, readings of the Tibetan Declaration of Independence, distribution of pamphlets and books and panel talks were held. In European capitals such as London, Paris and Copenhagen, demonstrations and public awareness exhibitions were held and in New York, four Tibetans were arrested as they unfurled a re-creation of the 1913 Tibetan Independence Proclamation outside the Chinese Mission to the United Nations.
More peaceful events took place in our own McLeod Ganj, India, beginning with the exhibition “Reclaiming History” at the Tibetan Childrens Village Day School, documenting Tibet’s former status as an independent nation – a fact that is repeatedly disputed by the Chinese Government. The exhibition, arranged by Students for Free Tibet SFT), showcased various articles, photographs and documents, all evidence of the nation’s independents status.
SFT also arranged a panel talk on The 13th Dalai’s efforts in securing Tibet’s independence, featuring Mr. Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, an MP with the Tibetan Government in Exile, Mr. Acharya Sangye Tandar Naga, Head of the Cultural Research and Tibetan Publication Department and Mr. Lukar
Independence Day concert at TIPA
Sham, the Vice-President of the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet.
Students for a Free Tibet had arranged a Tibetan Independence Day Concert in the evening taking place at the Tibetan School of Performing Arts. At 6.30pm, hundreds of Tibetans and curious tourists alike were gathered around the school’s courtyard, as candles were lit and the Tibetan National Anthem was sung. Following a reading of the original Tibetan Proclamation of Independence, various local artists such as JJI Exile Brothers and Sogshod Dhargye, as well as Swiss artist Karma Emchi performed to the cheering crowd.
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