The Zest and the spirit that engulf the first day of the Relay Hunger Strike in Bangalore, continue for the second and the third day, as nearly a hundred Tibetans from Kollegal, Mangalore, Chennai, Bylakuppe and Bangalore sat on fast, rallying for Tulku Tenzin Delek. The day also saw hundreds of Indian supporters signing the petition for the Tulku’s release.
In the evening, Mr.Arumai Nayagan, who captained National Football Team and Mohan Bagan from 1961 to 1968 and who was also a part of India’s winning team at the Bangkok Asian Games in 1962, visited the campaign site to meet the participants of the Strike. While extending his best wishes and support, Mr Nayagan said, “ I am aware of the Tibetan issue and have great sympathy for the Tibetans. I truly believe that one day you will realize your goal”. He further wowed to do more for Tibet. Currently, Mr. Nayagan serve as the Coach of Indian Woman’s football team and had led the team for tours in Germany, China and Hong Kong etc.
The hunger strikers were also greeted and supported by Mr Mavalli Shankar, General Secretary of Karnataka Bodh Mahasabha. Mr Mavalli assured the participants and the organizers of garnering supports from the local politicians on the Tulku’s case.
On 17th evening, Mr.Ramesh Parmeshwaran, Former Captain, National Hockey Team, who led India to victory in Olympics and Asian Games and who is presently the Coach of National Hockey Team and the General Manager of Reserve Bank of India, Bangalore, arrived at the campaign site and blessed the Tibetans. He said, “ The realization of a goal of any struggle depends solely on the faith of the fighters. If you maintain a good faith and unstinted determination, your goals are achievable. My best wishes and prayers are with your struggle. I believe prayers have great powers.”
Mr. Ramesh also assured of his help and support to the Tibetans and had instantly acquiesce to host a dinner for all the hunger-strikers at Karnataka Hockey stadium, after the conclusion of the Strike on the 19th.
Besides pamphleteering and informing the public on the Tulku and the Tibetan issue in general, the participants also engage in open discussion meetings wherein everyone shared their thoughts and ideas on the issue as well as other related matters. The occasion proved a great opportunity for many to learn and acquaint one on important matters. Tenzin from Chennai College warned of serious consequences if the Tibetans continue on the present complacent ways. “If we go on like this, what are we going to leave to our next generation?”
Others like Ven. Tenzin Gyurmey, a disciple of Tulku Tenzin Delek from Gomang Monastery said, “my experience and the knowledge tells me that Rinpoche is totally innocent and is not guilty. Rinpoche is a bodhisattva who has only serve the people and not kill them”.
Mr Pema Wangdak, a 62-year-old pala from Bangalore also voiced his concern, “ I think that there is an unnecessary debate in the community over the difference between TGIE’s stand of middle path and TYC’s stand of complete freedom. I believe both are necessary for the Tibetan cause.”
The afternoon session also include an address by the ardent Tibet-supporter, Mrs Asha Reddy who said, “ I have never seen such a nice bond amongst a community as the Tibetans. So this bond should be taken advantage of in strengthening the struggle for Tibet…. There must be a concerted focus and effort on the Tibetan cause; we mustn’t divert our resource, energy and the strength on other matters but on Tibet. We must always have time for Tibet. There can be no greater excuse for not having time for the cause. One can’t be too busy for the Tibetan cause.”. Later participants showered Mrs Asha with sincere gratitude for her contributions and for being an active part of struggle. Some even chocked in emotions in their _expression for her selfless service.
The closing ceremony of the All-India Relay Hunger Strike in Bangalore, is scheduled to be held in Mahatma Gandhi Statue on the 19th of November. The chief Guest of the occasion, Ms Ramya, is a Superstar of South-Indian films and a granddaughter of former Chief Minister Shri S.M Krishna. Ms Ramya is a member of Rotaract Club and Fords Foundation. She also involve actively in social causes like Aids-patient welfare etc. Ms Ramya, despite her busy schedule, postponed her shooting trip to accommodate the visit to the Tibetans Hunger Strikers.
