December 12 – In order to bring mass awareness on the issue of Tibet and its relation to India, a unique gathering of villagers on Tibet was organized at Katewda, Bavana near Haryana border. More than 350 villagers young, old, men and women gathered at the public park, venue for the meeting near Katewda bus stand. This is the first time that this village ever had a gathering on the issue of Tibet.
The meeting started with a welcome song and honoring of guests and the chief guest on the dais by offering garland and putting on turban “Pagdi”. Guest present were Shri. Narayan Singh, Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, Mr. Sonam Tsering, Dr. Hirapaul Negi and Ms. Tashi Yangchen (Miss Tibet 2005).
While giving keynote address by Dr. Agnihotri, he said, “ Mass support for the Tibet’s freedom movement will start only from the grass root people residing in the villages”. He further said that Tibetan culture, which is an extension of Indian culture, is now at the verge of extinction inside Tibet. If any Tibetan seen or caught with the portrait of Dalai Lama or who follows its culture inside Tibet are persecuted by Chinese authority.
Dr. Hirapaul Gang Negi of Delhi University spoke in length about the centuries old economic, culture and religious ties between India and Tibet. He said that all the major and holy rivers in north and northeastern India originates from Tibet, on which the nation’s agricultural economy is based. Existence of Kailash Mansrovar in Tibet and Bodh Gaya in India is the unique emblem of strong cultural and spiritual ties between India and Tibet. Shri. Narayan Singh, Local MLA said that the support for the Tibetan cause would be further aggravated and assured his personal contribution and active role.
The special attraction for the day was an appearance by Miss Tibet –2005 Tashi Yangchen, who had come all the way from Gangtok on the invitation of local organizer. In her address, apart from her stress on the need of education for all and gender equality, she also highlighted the issue of Tibet and extended her pleasure and gratitude for their support and solidarity to the cause of Tibet.
Before conclusion, Coordinator of India Tibet Coordination Office congratulate the organizer for the successful event and thanked people of Katewda for their love and support to the people of Tibet.
The program was organized by newly formed registered NGO called “Sagar Parvah” whose one of the main objective is to create mass awareness on Tibet in their local area and to cultivate interest on the Tibetan language and culture amongst their children.
