On Sunday, 23rd November 2003, the Tibetan Community in France organised the anniversary day of the Nobel Peace Prize Award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989 and Human Rights day in Paris. Over 100 people – mainly Tibetans and their French friends gathered to celebrate together this special day at the Theater called Epee du Bois in Cartoucherie area of Paris.
Mr Sonam Frasi, MP ATPD for Europe, was the chief guest. Ceremonies began with long life prayer and deity evocation prayers conducted by ten Gyuto monks. This was followed by a sang ritual and then an introductory message by Mr Thubten Gyatso, President of the Tibetan Community who explained why this time, the anniversary has to be organised in advance of the date, and why it is so important to celebrate this event together, and also presented the programmes of the day.
After a short break, the lecture-debate programme began : Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Representative of His Holiness in Paris, in his speech developed arguments why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important and how the exile community lead by the brilliant leadership of His Holiness has succeeded to put the Tibet issue on the international agenda. Relating to the contemporary history of Tibet, and the plight of the exile community, he made a strong case how the Tibetans – administration, young and old – have made major achievements in different areas such as social awareness, education, international political movement, non violent struggle, etc…
Mr Sonam Frasi exposed mainly to the direction of the Tibetan people these points : importance for every Tibetan to educate themselves and develop honest thoughts on the Middle Way approach of dialogue proposed by His Holiness. He briefly explained the Sino-Tibetan contacts beginning 1979, and presented the current policy of the exile government which aims to achieve the unity of the entire Tibetan people under self-rule entity within China and this through direct negotiations with the Chinese authorities. He insisted strongly the importance of developing an honest approach by our people which he said means to think, express and act in coherence when it comes to such major political issue affecting our people. He also informed about the new financial rules and regulations of the exile government, and invited the Tibetans to participate in the Voluntary contributions which he says is a political act as well as a concrete way to help run our exile administration. Important development such as Kashag’s decisions to stop running the enterprises were also clearly explained.
Mr Sonam Frasi gave reply to several questions which dealt mostly with political themes. Tashi Phuntsok gave supplementary information on some of the questions.
After a lunch, the danse and songs were performed by the Tibetan community members under the direction of Mr Tshering Wangdi. Solo songs, step dances of Upper Tibet, other regional songs were performed which were very much admired by the audiences. The day ended with a Tibetan hymn sung by all Tibetans present.
Mr Thubten Gyatso thanked the deputy Sonam Frasi, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, his colleagues, all Tibetans and French friends, and also the Theater’s personnel by offering them traditional Khatag who offered the hall graciously for the event.
This report edited by Wangpo Bashi, on 24th November 2004.
Wangpo BASHI
Secretary / Secrétaire
BUREAU DU TIBET
84 bd Adolphe Pinard
75014 PARIS (France)
Tel. + 0146565453
Fax + 0146560818
