By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, September 2: Thousands of Tibetan exiles thronged the courtyard of Tsug-la Khang to take part in the celebrations of the 55th Tibetan Democracy day here. Attending as Chief guests were Shri Shanta Kumar, Member of Indian Parliament & Convener, APIPFT, and Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Indian Union Cabinet Minister and other Indian dignitaries.
The Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering, among other guests were also present at the official celebrations.
Much to the delight of the crowd gathered at Tsuklakhang temple here, the weather unusually for the notorious monsoon of Dharamshala behaved as the proceedings of the 55th Tibetan ‘Democracy Day’ progressed with addresses by attending dignitaries punctuated by cultural performances by students and residents.
The Sikyong in his address explained in brief the evolution of the Tibetan democracy and the “immeasurable gift of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people” who have successfully grasped the importance of such an institution. He highlighted some land marks in the journey of Tibetan democracy such as 1960’s first elected representatives who took oath on this same day, the election of first representatives of Tibetan women in 1963, the election of representatives of Bon religion in 1977 and the shift of power in Tibetan politics after the Dalai Lama devolved his authority to an elected leadership in 2011.
Acknowledging the precedent set by the US senate, the Tibetan PM said, “The US senate has passed two resolutions celebrating and recognizing the Central Tibetan Administration and also the Tibetan democracy and the Sikyong. I hope that the members of the Indian parliament will have similar resolutions”.
Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Indian Union Cabinet Minister told that gathering that her family’s association with the Tibetans dates back to the time when Tibetans first came into exile. “My family has been closely associated with the Tibetan movement since you (Tibetans) came here and we continue, my son and I, this tradition of being closely involved with the Tibetan people and being happy that you are here”.
She commended the Tibetan spirit to uphold the tradition and culture even in exile yet urged the Tibetan people continuously continue the efforts. “We know the struggle will be long and hard and we in India appreciate your bravery and today we celebrate the gift by His Holiness. I assure you that we will see that your stay in India and association with us will be a happy one,” said Mrs. Gandhi.
The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Penpa Tsering in his statement condemned the Chinese atrocities in Tibet and the deteriorating situation of Tibetans inside Tibet. While speaking on the spree of self immolations that occurred since 2009, he said, “This year alone there have been seven such cases, I therefore urge the UN, United Nation Human Rights Council and countries that love democracy, justice and freedom to bring emphatic pressure on the government of China”.
In view of the upcoming elections, he remarked, “In an administrative system such as ours, which is based on democratic values, it is vital duty of the public to take active part in these election processes”.
The platform was also used to recognize the meritorious academic top rankers of various Tibetan schools and the winners of the TED grants who were felicitated and awarded prizes.
