Several hundred Tibetans and supporters gathered inside Armenian Church Hall in Manhattan, New York on October 9, 2004 to celebrate the 35th Founding Anniversary of the Tibetan Youth Congress.
The function started at 11.00 am with Mendel Teksum (Tibetan Religious offering), followed by Solcha-Delsil (Tibetan butter tea and sweet rice) to all present to mark the day. Cholsum Dance Group of New York and New Jersey sang Tibetan National Anthem and Shonu Thunshey (Tibetan Youth Song).
Mr. Kunga Thinley, President of the RTYC NY & NJ gave an introductory speech in Tibetan. He also read Centrex Statement of the 35th anniversary of the TYC and presented a brief report on the activities of the RTYC NY & NJ. Mr. Ngawang Palden, General Secretary spoke on the functioning, objective and the role of Tibetan Youth Congress, in English. Mr. Jampa Yonten, Cultural Secretary took over the function as the Master of the Ceremony.
Dr. Ngawang Rabgyal, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas was invited as the Chief Guest and Mr. Jigme Norbu, son of Taktser Rinpoche was invited as the special guest of the function. Dr. Ngawang Rabgyal spoke on the role of Tibetan Youth congress and its contribution towards Tibet’s independence. Mr. Jigme Norbu urged young generation Tibetans to, “Know about Tibet and contribute something about Tibet.” He spoke on the work of his ailing father Taktser Rinpoche for Tibet and Freedom Marches and Rallies he’s been organizing in the United States. The other’s who were present in the function were His Eminence Keutsang Trulku Jamphel Yeshe, Ex-executive members of RTYC NY & NJ, staff members from the Office of Tibet, Tibet Fund, Tibetan Community of NY & NJ, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Students for a Free Tibet, USTC, and Board members from the various community of Himalayan Regions.
Mr. Jigme Norbu received the Rangzen Award of Tibetan Youth Congress on his father Taktser Rinpoche’s behalf. Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey presented the award on behalf of the Central Executive Committee in Dharamsala (TYC). Mr. Han Shan of Students for a Free Tibet(SFT) was presented scarf as a token of appreciation and love for his selfless and courageous act in Beijing, China recently by hanging a banner saying “No Olympics for China until Tibet is free.” Mr. Han Shan gave a brief glimpse on his heroic moments in Beijing to all present at the function.
The volume of the function kept its pace with colorful cultural programs by Chulsum Dance Group, Sunday School Students, Ex-TIPA performers and some talented individual.
The afternoon program started with a short Drama by the executive members of RTYC NY & NJ and some volunteers on the ‘Current Situation in Tibet & Light and Life of Trulku Tenzin Delek’. The drama got a huge applause & ovation from the crowd last year that upon request from the same audience, RTYC NJ & NJ staged the drama once again adding little updates on the previous one.
Tibetan Idol ’04 ‘Tibetan Song Competition’ was taken part by several contestants from North America. Mr. Tashi from New York was awarded first place, Mrs. Tsering Dolma from Washington DC the second place and the third prize was awarded to Ms. Tsering Chonden from Ithica by panel of judges consisting of four experienced and former members of Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).
The main function concluded with vote of thanks from Mr. Karma Tsering, Vice-President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey. The event kept its flow with Tashi Namthar and Gorshey (Tibetan Group Dance) until the dinner was served.
