By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, July 6: On the joyous occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 82nd Birthday today at Tsuglagkhang, Chief guest Kishan Kapoor, Former Minister of State for Industries and Transport, said that China would one day bow down to the purity of His Holiness’s teachings and a day would come for a free Tibet.
“Historical events have shown that those countries who have been oppressed by an occupation have not diminished but have flourished. So I feel a day would come when the ego and pride of China will bow down His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and Tibet will be free,” said Kishan Kapoor, who was joined by Ninong Ering, MP from Arunachal Pradesh as a special guest.
The former minister also said that Dharamshala and its people are fortunate for His Holiness has chosen the place as his abode and credited him for the growing popularity of the place.
Acknowledging his efforts in spreading his teachings of nonviolence, compassion and peace globally, he said that in times of prevalent act of terror, his teachings act as the sun whose rays touch every corner of the world.
MP Ninong Ering, who is also member of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT), affirming continued support on Tibet issue, said, “We have taken up the issue of dam constructions on Brahmaputra. Now we will raise the question of China’s interference over the Dalai Lama’s trip to Tawang.”
The celebration was bejeweled with cultural performances by representatives of all the three traditional provinces of Tibet, TIPA, girls from Tibetan Association of North California and students of Lower TCV, Upper TCV and Mewon Peton School.
“After March 2018, President Xi Jinping will begin the second term of his Presidency. It is clear that China cares for its global standing and image and one of the most effective ways to gain global respect is to protect the basic human rights and freedom in China and Tibet and in particular start dialogue with Tibetan representatives,” officiating President Kalon Karma Yeshi said in the statement of the Kashag.
Reminding the key cries of all the self-immolators in Tibet – ‘freedom inside Tibet’ and ‘the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’ – the statement read, “It is therefore time that the Chinese government should address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetans inside Tibet.”
Acharya Yeshi Phunstok, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, in the Tibetan parliament’s statement, pointed out that the self-immolations are caused by the brutal and discriminatory policies of China.
The celebration also had traditional Indian food serving (Hindi: dhaam) organized by seven Tibetan associations to mark the birthday of the exile Tibetan spiritual leader who turned 82 today.
