The International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) held a very spirited candlelight vigil on behalf of The Panchen Lama in a highly visible and heavily traveled intersection in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seventeen people participated in this vigil including five Tibetans and three Board Members of ITIM. During the 90-minute activity, over 1000 vehicles passed the vigil and many responded by honking their horn in support.
At dusk, the participants lit candles and then recited in Tibetan and English long life prayers for The Panchen Lama created by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. A number of the participants reflected on a previous vigil held for The Panchen Lama in the same location three years ago, while others recalled being in Dharamsala, India on May 17, 1995 when The Panchen Lama was abducted by China. This latter group of ITIMers discussed how they had instantly responded to this tragedy while in India by organizing the first campaign to demand the release of The Panchen Lama.
At the conclusion of the event, Jigme Norbu (son of Taktser Rinpoche and nephew of His Holiness The Dalai Lama) spoke passionately about the importance of strengthening the movement to secure independence for Tibet and the urgency of increasing activity to advocate for the release of The Panchen Lama. Another ITIMer shared the last word of the vigil. She encouraged all of us to keep the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in our hearts and prayers as they continue to encounter the challenge of operating without their spiritual leader (The Panchen Lama) in their midst, and continue to struggle with limited resources. She also encouraged us to continue to support the Monastery and engage in actions and prayers to help release The Panchen Lama.
