By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, August, 15: Tibetans along with local Indians and foreigners celebrated India’s 65th Independence Day in Dharamshala earlier today.
The chief guest, Ajay Singh Mankotia, president of the Dharamshala based Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society and Tenzin Tsundue, president of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala hoisted the Indian national flag amidst the heavy down pour while the crowd sang the Indian and the Tibetan national anthems.
As a gesture of friendship and peaceful coexistence of the two cultures, Tibetan school children and local Indians performed traditional songs and dances, celebrating India’s long-fought battle for freedom.
“The issue of Tibet will be solved with your wonderful democracy, dynamism and love for your country,” said the chief guest to the crowd of around 500 people gathered to celebrate the historical day.
Mankotia ended his speech with an appeal to the public to keep McLeod Ganj clean and healthy.
Speaking to reporters, Tenzin Tsundue said that India’s Independence Day “is an inspiration for the Tibetans”.
“It is also a reminder that in most difficult times, we must keep our hopes alive,” added Tsundue.
Tibetans elsewhere also greeted fellow Indians on this special day. Tenzin Migmar, a Tibetan student in Chennai tweeted, “today I am happy for my Indian friends, but inside my heart, there is a feeling of sadness thinking when we will be able to celebrate our Independence Day.”
The celebrations in Dharamshala were organised by five leading NGOs; Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet – India, and Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution.
Two other countries – South Korea and the Republic of Congo also celebrates their independence day today.
