Tibetans congratulate and thank India on its 73rd Independence Day
DHARAMSALA, Aug 15: The political head of the Tibetan people, President Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated the government and people of India on its 73rd Independence Day at a brief ceremony held at the Kashag Secretariat here in Dharamsala.
Members of Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet), secretaries and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration(CTA) attended the ceremony and sung the Indian national anthem as President Sangay hoisted the tri-coloured Indian national flag outside the Kashag Secretariat.
“I would like to wish the government and people of India a very hearty congratulation on India’s 73rd Independence Day on behalf of the Tibetan people and the CTA,” President Sangay said.
He also thanked the government and people of India for the kindness, generosity and support shown to the Tibetan cause and the Tibetan people.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the CTA and the largest population of Tibetan refugees are based in India. We can proudly say that we were able to carry forward the Tibetan movement, protect and preserve the religion, culture and language Owing to the persistent support of India and its people until now,” President Sangay added.
The political head of the Tibetan people further wished India every success in its political and economic endeavours.
Drawing inspiration from India’s Independence, he said that the Tibetan movement will also see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“As India gained its independence through peace and non-violent movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, we Tibetans also believe that we will also gain genuine autonomy under the same principle. We shall overcome too.”
When asked about the ongoing mass protest in Hong Kong, President Sangay said that Tibetan people stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong.
“Democracy is a universal value. Tibetans stand in solidarity with every people across the world fighting for freedom and democracy,” he said.
President Sangay further described the news report of Chin moving its troops to Hong Kong border as very disturbing news.
“Violence begets violence. It makes the situation worse,” President Sangay said calling for dialogue to resolve the differences as often advocated by the Dalai Lama.
After the ceremony, President Sangay left the Kashag Secretariat to attend a ceremony hosted by the local Indian administrative office at Police Ground in lower Dharamshala to mark the occasion.
