DHARAMSHALA, October 7: In commemoration of the 44th founding anniversary of Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group in exile, Tibetans and supporters in the hill-town exile Tibetan headquarters today ran for Tibet.
More than 70 runners took part in a mini marathon race from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts – TCV handicraft – Forsyth Ganj – McLeod ganj – Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. The youngest and the oldest runner were of 15 year old and 65 year old respectively.
Dolma Lhamo from Tibetan Children’s Village, Gopalpur and Tsering Dorjee from Sherab Gatsel Lobling School came first winning a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each and a gold medal in the women’s and men’s category respectively.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tenzin Jigme, President of Tibetan Youth Congress said, “ Over the years, TYC has proved to be a formidable force in the struggle for independent Tibet and continuous to be one. With the support of Tibetans in exile and inside Tibet, we have managed to keep our struggle alive so far here in exile.”
“Today I want to let our brothers and sisters inside Tibet know that we are still with you and that we have not given up. No matter what circumstances we face in exile, our spirits remain strong and our spirit remains strong because of the courage of our brothers and sisters inside Tibet,” said Jigme. “So until Tibet is free and until His Holiness the Dalai Lama is able to return to Tibet, we will keep the struggle alive and we will work for all of us.”
Appealing the Tibetans to be vigilant and to continue the fight for justice with firm determination, Jigme noted, “Communist China has been struggling hard to demolish our identity, religion and culture. They (China) have also managed to infiltrate our community and create troubles and disputes among us to weaken our strength and power of the struggle.”
Since 2009, as many as 122 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet calling for freedom in Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“The Chinese Communist government will have to take complete responsibility of future self-immolations and resistance as Tibetans will not hold themselves back until there will be fair amendment in the Laws of Communist government for Tibetans based on the principles of basic human rights,” Jigme added.
He requested all the Tibetans irrespective of the political ideologies to be united in the struggle to fulfill the aspirations of the deceased and “hopes of the living which is, return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama back to Tibet and to realize the day for Tibetans in exile and inside Tibet to unite.”
Also present at the ceremony was Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, Ajay Singh Mankotia, leaders of Tibetan NGOs and Tibet supporters.
