By Tsering Tashi
LONDON, December 12 – The 15th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10th December 1989 was celebrated here yesterday at the Tibet House with live traditional and contemporary Tibetan music and song presented by the Dance and Music Group of the Tibetan Community in Britain. The hall was packed with Tibetan men, women and children dressed in traditional chupas enjoying the momentous evening with British and other supporters.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Kesang Y. Takla, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Northern Europe at the London Office of Tibet, said that the Tibetan people were indeed very fortunate to have His Holiness as their leader. She said that the world’s recognition of His Holiness’ fine leadership of the Tibetan people and his tireless work toward world peace came especially in the form of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness in 1989.
For the benefit mainly of the many new members of the Tibetan Community in Britain, Mrs. Takla explained the work of the Office of Tibet in London that is the official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and responsible for looking after Tibetan affairs in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. She said that despite the limitations of there being only three staff to handle the manifold speaking engagements and responsibilities of the Office of Tibet and the Tibet House Trust, every effort was being made to bring the Tibetan cause especially to the attention of the concerned governments and parliaments. She also reminded the Tibetans on the importance of the Green Book voluntary contribution to the exile Tibetan exchequer and thanked all those who have made their contribution while appealing to the remaining members to do so keeping in view the larger interest of the Tibetan nation.
“I am confident and urge all of you to do your best in sharing the responsibility of the common Tibetan cause. Democracy is about frank exchange of thoughts and therefore if you need more information or what to discuss any issues then you are most welcome to either call us or email us or visit us at the office,” she said.
Mr. Sonam Frasi, member of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies representing Tibetans in Europe, explained to the gathering the importance of the Middle Way Approach in resolving the issue of Tibet. The Middle Way Approach adopted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and first made public during his speech to members of the European Parliament at Strasbourg in 1988 seeks genuine autonomy or self-rule for all three provinces of Tibet while handing over external relations and defense matters in the hands of the Chinese government. He said that His Holiness has made it very clear that the issue is not about the Dalai Lama and therefore when he is no longer there, although it would be a temporary setback, the Tibetan struggle will go on from generation to generation.
The Middle Way Approach is not a pre-condition for the ongoing Sino-Tibetan dialogue as some supporters tend to think, Mr. Sonam Frasi emphasised.
“But the Tibet issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible and therefore every Tibetan has a responsibility. The Chinese government also needs to understand that solving this issue is in the long-term interest of China and the Chinese people. Right now they have the advantage of having His Holiness who is the unifying force of the Tibetan people,” he said.
The evening’s programme jointly organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and the Tibet Foundation ended with a choice of delicious home-made vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and Gorshey (traditional Tibetan circle dance) to the delight of everyone.
