Tokyo, October 28: The small Tibetan Community in Japan joined by their supporters held its celebration at Tibet House in Tokyo on October 26 in honour of the US Congressional Gold Medal being awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Despite bad weather and inconvenience of distance, some forty plus Tibetan turned up for the event with intense fervor. Tibetan community in Japan organised the event. The celebration started at 6:30 pm with Community leader Mr Khedup’s opening speech.
Mr Khedup welcomed the gathering and spoke on the importance of celebrating over the historic moment of October 17 when His Holiness was presented with the highest civilian honour of the US Congress.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Representative Tshoko Lhakpa spoke on the significance of the award and the recognition bestowed by the US Congressional body.
Mr Lhakapa urged the Tibetans to take this event as new inspiration “to further our effort in pursuing the goal of Middle-path approach in realizing our dream of prosperous Tibet.” He took the opportunity to thank the US government for its continued support for the peaceful resolution of Tibet issue.
Recorded live telecast of the award function was shown to the gathering as part of the celebration. The crowd made loud cheers as they watched each of the US leaders turn by turn proclaim the Dalai Lama’s enduring efforts to make him the most deserving candidate for the US civilian honour.
Conferment of US highest civilian award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama also had the, otherwise, shy Japanese papers bringing good coverage on the award and the Tibet issue.
The Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tokyo received good number of congratulatory messages from supporters and friends of Tibet.
The gathering provided a good platform for the community members and their supporters to discuss the forthcoming visit of His Holiness to the country, and the celebration of Nobel Peace Prize Day and the Losar (Tibetan New year).
The members gathered for the celebration reached a general consensus to dedicate more time and effort in organizing and participating in Tibetan events in future.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Japan next month, shortly after concluding his current US-Canada tour.
Based on report filed by the office of Tibetan Community in Japan
