New York, April 25 – The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey organized a mass demonstration in front of the United Nations building in New York, marking the 16th birth anniversary of the XI Panchen Lama, the second highest spiritual leader of Tibet.
The program commenced at 12.00 noon with the Tibetan national anthem. Mr. Gyatso, President of the RTYC NY & NJ gave the introductory speech, followed by brief speech by the chief guest Ms. Dolma Choephel, former Joint Secretary of Central Executive Committee of the Tibetan Youth Congress. Mr. Tashi Lhakdar, President of the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey, Mrs. Karma Choezom, President of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association and Ms. Lhadon Tethong, Executive Director of the Students for a Free Tibet also spoke to the gathering.
The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey submitted memorandum to the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Kofi Annan, urging him to pressurize the Chinese government to release the Panchen Lama without any preconditions.
The 13-member team on the Cycle Rally made its final destination to New York (UN Building) today, coinciding the birth anniversary of the XI Panchen Lama. The cycle rally started on April 20, 2005 from Washington DC. Mr. Ringpo Tenzin, the leader of the cycle rally created an atmosphere of catharsis with his poignant speech. Mr. Jigme Norbu, son of Taktser Rinpoche and one of the cyclists, quoted some of inspiring words from his father Taktser Rinpoche. Mr. Norbu also read the memorandum, which will be submitted to Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Kofi Annan.
The demonstrators shouted slogans at the Dag Hammerskjold Plaza (in front of the United Nations) until 2.00 pm and then marched towards the Chinese Mission of New York. Ms. Dawa Dolma, Public Relations Officer of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey read the statement of the Tibetan Youth Congress (Centrex) in English. The demonstrators shouted at the Chinese Mission until 4.00 pm. Mr. Tenzin Kalden, Vice President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey conveyed vote of appreciation to the cyclists and the members and supporters attended there. Mr. Kalden also assured that the Tibetan Youth Congress would continue its activities until the Panchan Lama released.
The three major Tibetan organizations of New York – The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Community and the Tibetan Women’s Association – organized a dinner reception for the cyclists at a Tibetan restaurant, as a token of love and appreciation for their selfless endeavor.
