March On, March On!
Eight days Long Peace March for Tibet from Bhandara Tibetan Settlement to Nagpur city, organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Bhandara has been successfully concluded here at Nagpur city on 17th March 2007. The March initially started from Bhandara Tibetan Norgeling Settlement on 10th March, which marks the commemoration of 48th anneversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. Fifty seven Tibetans which comprises of 35 males and 25 females ranging from 16 years old to a 67 years old senior citizen has participated in the Peace March.
The Peace March was aimed to create awareness about Tibet and to protest against China’s unlawful occupation of Tibet, and its continuous human rights violation and inhuman killings of Tibetans in Tibet. The March covered over fifty small villages, towns and big cities which include Gondia, Bandara and Nagpur city, covering more than 250 kms. Besides, this includes holding of press conference, public talk, prayer meetings, and pamphleteering and protest demonstrations.
Every morning the day began with the invocation prayers followed by the song of Tibetan and Indian National Anthem and a Tibetan Revolutionary song (Long-sho) and there by raising anti-China slogans and chanting prayers. While covering through various villeges and towns, the marchers were warmly received by offering meals and snacks.The local Indians and Tibet supporters showing their concerns and solidarity also offered shelter to hold at night. Besides many print and electronic Medias has covered the Peace March rally.
On 16th March at around 4 pm, RTYC Bhandara held a press conference at Nagpur Press Club for Indian media to highlight about Tibet’s issue. Over 20 media personnel were present. The Guest Seakers present at the press conference were TYC Central General Secretary Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, Dr. Milind Jewani, Chairman of International Buddhist conference, Mr. Jaswinder Singh Saini, General Secretary of Bharat-Tibbat Sayog Manch and the executive members of RTYC Bhandara. Dr. Juweni made introductory note and there after Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee highlighted the significance of this Peace March rally, where he stressed on the ongoing religious and cultural genocide in Tibet, about the recent killings of Tibetan at Nangpa Pass and arrests of 14 Tibetans on 21st feb 2007 at Tsukla Khang.
On the final day of the Peace March, the passionate and vibrant marchers gathered at Chandramuni Pali Bodhvihar, where many Indian digniteries from various associations also made their presence. Mr. Lobsang Tsering, President of RTYC Bhandara delivered his introductory speech and there after Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, General Secretary of TYC Centrex addressed the gathering by extending his warm felicitation to all the passionate marchers and he highlighted the need to seek the support of every Indian for the Tibetan Independence movement. Soon after the March started with raising vociferous slogans such as Chinese Quit Tibet, Release Panchen Lama, Release Tulku Tenzin Delek and all political prisoners in Tibet, Free Tibet for India’s Security etc. in the Nagpur city covering over 25 kms.
Finally, infront of the Distt. Collector’s office of, Nagpur a closing ceremony was held, which was attended by Tibet supporters Mr. Girish Viyas, Former President, BJP Nagpur, Mr. Puran Mishram, Republic Party; Prof. Vijay Kewal Ramani, President, Sindh Mukti Andholan; Mr. Ashok Gaikwad, Secretary Chandramuni Pali Bodhvihar; Mr. Ashok Mendhe, President of Bharat-Tibbat Sayog Manch; Dr. Milind Jewani, Chairman of International Buddhist Conference; Mr. Ashok Nakrarey, Gen. Secretary, Boujan Republican Akta Manch; Mr. Naresh Katse, Dalid Tarun Organisation; Mr. Rajan Wakmare, Gen. Secretary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Association; Mr. Nabu Shak, President, Boujan Muslim Conference, Nagpur; Mr. Vijay Besan, City Chairman, Republican party of India and Mr. Puram Misram, Deputy Registrar, Nagpur University. The dignitaries then spoke on the urgencies of the Tibetan cause and appealed the Indian Masses to support the Tibetan cause which in turn would mean a security for India. The organizer submitted a memorandum to the Indian Prime Minister through the office of district collector, Nagpur. In the end, Mr Tsultrim offered Scarf (Khatak) to all the participants and guest speakers on behalf of Tibetan Youth Congress, Central Executive Committee.
