By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, July 24: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama will grace the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Dharamshala Tibetan settlement at Tsuglagkhang, announced the organizing committee of the Golden Jubilee celebration at Hotel Tibet in McLeod Ganj today.
“The celebration will happen on October 4 and as per our request to His Holiness, he has agreed to grace the occasion,” said Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Dawa Rinchen. “Dharamshala, unlike other settlements, is the abode of tHis Holiness the Dalai Lama, seat of Central Tibetan Administration and main hub of exile Tibetans. Therefore, it is important that we celebrate the occasion.”
The decision of celebrating fifty years since its establishment was unanimously taken at a meeting participated by around 40 organizations and associations in and around Dharamshala in April this year. The 10-member organizing committee consists of representatives of the Tibetan schools, Tibetan NGOs, various associations, Dharamshala Local Tibetan Assembly, Settlement office and Tibetan Freedom Movement Organization.
“Since its establishment, Dharamshala had over 21 TSOs and recognizing their works and contributions, we will be honoring them as well,” said TSO Dawa Rinchen.
He also added that along with the Tibetan spiritual leader, the dignitaries of CTA and local Indian administrations would also take part in the celebration, which is also aimed at enhancing the friendship between the two communities.
“Our invitation is for everyone who have lived here in Dharamshala to join in the celebration of the place which is the epic center of exile Tibet,” he said while adding that they have also started fundraising for the occasion.”
The McLeod Ganj-based Tibetan Settlement Office was established in 1967 as a liaison between the Tibetan refugees and the CTA. With the initial population unknown, the present population is said to be around 15,000.
