By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspodent
Kathmandu, October 18: Tibetans in Nepal celebrated the honouring of the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday evening at various locations in Kathmandu. One of the most elaborate celebration events was organised by Kathmandu’s Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) at Norling Resort where hundreds of Tibetans gathered to enjoy live concert show by various Tibetan music bands and individual artists.
Tibetans watched the live telecast of the ceremony awarding the Tibetan leader with the highest civilian honour of US. The celebration party went on late into the night. Ms Sheila Berry, special guest from the US Embassy joined the celebration.
In an address to the gathering, RTYC President Tenzin Wangdu said, “This is a very special occasion for all Tibetans that His Holiness’ consistent peaceful and nonviolent approach to resolve the issue of Tibet is being recognized and supported by the US Government”.
The celebration began with Ms Sheila Berry lighting a butter lamp and then opening champagne. Nepal’s most celebrated actor Rajesh Hamal was among those who joined Tibetans in their celebration.
The celebration at the official level, however, began on Thursday at the Srongtsen High School compound with Tibetan Government representatives attending the morning function.
The government officials followed by public lined up to offered scarf to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait in traditional Tibetan ceremonial way as a show of reverence to their leader.
Tibetan cultural dances and Nepali folk dances were performed by various Tibetans schools in the Kathmandu valley. Dolma Tsomo, member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile in her address to the gathering said, “We are all very very very happy and proud today”.
“The nation (USA) that has always supported democracy has stood up and honored the most deserving figure His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, she said and thanked Ms Berry for joining Tibetans for the celebration.
Following the official ceremony, older Tibetan folks enjoyed traditional Gorshed (round dance) as young Tibetans eagerly joined the dance to find themselves constantly struggling with the steps.
Nepal is home to second largest Tibetan refugee population after India. An estimated 20,000 Tibetans live in Nepal.
