Smt Menka Ghandhi during Democracy Day celebrations at Mcleodganj in Dharamshala.
Dharamshala, September 2, 2015: Thousands of Tibetan gathered at Tsug-la Khang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala on Wednesday morning to take part in the celebrations of the 55th Tibetan Democracy. The Chief guests were Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Indian Union Cabinet Minister and Shanta Kumar, Member of Indian Parliament from the area. The Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering, were the other guests beside other Indian dignitaries at the official celebrations.
The Sikyong (Tibetan PM in exile ), in his address explained in brief the evolution of the Tibetan democracy and the “immeasurable gift of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people” who have successfully grasped the importance of such an institution. He highlighted some land marks in the journey of Tibetan democracy such as 1960’s first elected representatives who took oath on this same day, the election of first representatives of Tibetan women in1963, the election of representatives of Bon religion in 1977 and the shift of power in Tibetan politics after the Dalai Lama devolved his authority to an elected leadership in 2011.
Acknowledging the precedent set by the US senate, the Tibetan PM said, “The US senate has passed two resolutions celebrating and recognizing the Central Tibetan Administration and also the Tibetan democracy and the Sikyong. I hope that the members of the Indian parliament will have similar resolutions”.
Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Indian Union Cabinet Minister said that her family’s association with the Tibetans dates back to the time when Tibetans first came into exile. “My family has been closely associated with the Tibetan movement since you (Tibetans) came here and we continue, my son and I, this tradition of being closely involved with the Tibetan people and being happy that you are here”.
She commended the Tibetan spirit to uphold the tradition and culture even in exile yet urged the Tibetan people continuously continue the efforts. “We know the struggle will be long and hard and we in India appreciate your bravery and today we celebrate the gift by His Holiness. I assure you that we will see that your stay in India and association with us will be a happy one,” said Mrs. Gandhi.
The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Penpa Tsering in his statement condemned the Chinese atrocities, he said, “This year alone there have been seven such cases, I therefore urge the UN, United Nation Human Rights Council and countries that love democracy, justice and freedom to bring emphatic pressure on the government of China”. The gathering appreciated the cultural performances by students and residents.
Date:
Wednesday, September 2, 2015