White marbled hall of Shridi Gurudwara at the Bilaspur Distt strangely housed the participants of TYC auspiced ‘Freedom March’. The homely ambiance coupled with amazing hospitality was all that the Marchers need to spur their soaring spirit and ease the strains of hot March. Later all eye welled with emotion, when bidding adieu, the Jathedar of the Gurudwara accepted just a rupee from the donation and said, “this is just for the remembrance. A day will surely come when God will listen to your prayers”.
The Freedom March arrived Anandpur Sahib, a holy-site on the morning of 19th February. There an hour-long procession, campaign was conducted in the Market. The participants were hugely moved and inspired when several locals expressed their solidarity with the cause by donating funds. Vigorous nods of acknowledgement from many, uttering the name ‘Dalai Lama’, ‘Dalai Lama’ testify the truth that the heart of our strength is undoubtedly His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Later, the Marchers visited the holy Gurudwara and sought blessings.
Participants equally savour the delicious serving at the huge Langker (Community Kitchen). The Marchers worked a distance of 20 km on the 9th day, camping for the night at Kritpur Sahib. Being Nyishu-gu (29th-eve of Losar), ceremonial Gu-thug (Noodles) were served and a special prayer conducted before the day’s feed back and treatment session.
Freedom March proceeded from Kritpur at 5.30 a.m. and covered a distance of over 26 km by noon. A recess of 20 minutes was entertained in between, serving limejuice as stimulant. At 1 p.m., the marchers camped at Danaulti, a village 7 km from Ropar.
The Camp has a cordial atmosphere, with participants sharing every thing, anecdotes, eatables and tsampa etc. There was virtual rush to relish tsampa brought from Tibet by one of the participant-each trying to get a feel of ones sacred motherland. Tashi, a volunteer in the March is the pet among the Marchers, earning the maximum attention and love from all. His would be an extra-ordinary feet in that Tashi is a homeless Dog accompanying the March since day one.
Contact for more information: Lobsang Yeshi: 98160-98637
Gadong Jigme: 98160-83228
Dolma Choephel: 94180-79448
