Guwahati, February 7: The exile Tibetan prime minister on Thursday said Tibet is vital to the lifeline of so many countries in South East Asia including India. The Tibetan PM said Chinese exploitation of mineral resources of Tibet and deforestation can lead to flooding downstream, and can cause havoc for a large number of people whose livelihood depends on these rivers.
Sangay was speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden festival of Tibetan arts and culture in the largest northeast Indian city of Guwahati, referred often as the ‘gateway to the east’.
Sangay said he hoped that through the festival of Tibet, visitors have got a glimpse of Tibet, its history, environment and political condition from the cultural exhibitions, talks, cultural performances etc in the last few days. He expressed hope that visitors have realized that Tibet “ought to be protected and promoted.” “Because we (Tibetans) don’t want to be museum piece,” remarked Sangay.
Also present at the ceremony were Shri Pema Khandu, minister of tourism in the Arunachal government, Shri. Gaurav Gogoi, son of Assam CM Tarun Gogoi and Abbot of Tawang monastery Ven. Guru Tulku Rinpoche.
Tibetan MP Karma Yeshi, a member of the festival organizing committee, thanked the government and people of Assam for their support in hosting the festival in Guwahati. He also expressed gratitude to Shri Pema Khandu for personally funding the festival and being their inspiration behind the festival of Tibet in Guwahati.
Shri Pema Khandu honored the members of the organizing committee and the participants with souvenirs and Khatas (traditional well-wishing scarf).
Cultural performances by the artistes from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts was followed by live performances by Zubin Garg of the Ya Ali fame, a popular Bollywood singer of Assamese origin, and Indian Idol season 3 runner up Amit Paul.
Hundreds of local Assamese and Tibetans from Dimapur, Kohima and Shillong also joined the closing festivities after events of His Holiness concluded in Shillong on Feb. 5.
