Tibetans in Dharamsala celebrate 30th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA, 10 Dec: Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters today gathered at the courtyard of Tsug-lag-Khang, the main temple in Mcleod Ganj to attend the official function to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Shri Gyal P. Wangyal, the Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) the Chief Guest of the event greeted the congregation and congratulated the Tibetan Nobel Laureate on the 30th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize as he began his address and said that the Dalai Lama was conferred the coveted prize 30 years ago for his service to the humanity.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not only guided the humanity of this universe on to the part of nonviolence and peace but has also transformed the nature of Tibetan freedom movement into a total nonviolent endeavour,” Wangyal said.

He concluded by highlighting the unwavering friendship between the Tibetans and Indians, expressed great delight at the Dalai Lama’s numerous visits and teachings in the region and affirmed to continue to support the Tibetans suffering under the Chinese regime.

Wangyal also honoured the CTA President with a friendship award.

CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Pema Jungney delivered the official statements of the Kashag (the Tibetan cabinet) and the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile respectively.

 President Sangay in his address described the Tibetan spiritual leader as one of the world’s most beloved leader Nobel Laureate.

As December 10 is also celebrated across the world as the Human Rights day and although it marks 70 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)was issued, CTA President highlighted the gravely deplorable human rights situation inside Tibet.

“Tibetans are subjected to harsh treatment for speaking up for their rights, which are enshrined in both the UDHR the Chinese constitution, such as freedom of religion, language, and preservation of the environment,” President Sangay said.

“In observation of our gratitude to His Holiness, we must further indulge in meritorious acts for the accumulation of our collective good karma. We must all remember and work towards the fulfilment of His Holiness’ principal commitments and work towards our cause in unity. We will renew our efforts towards the same through various initiatives throughout the gratitude year,” he concluded.

Speaker Pema Jungney in his address described the occasion as a day of outstanding significance.

“In places across the world, people are commemorating this festive occasion with the remembrance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s deeds. The absolutely best way to repay gratitude to His Holiness would be to carry out his wishes with a sincerity of purpose. All Tibetan people should, therefore, unite as one and pool together whatever capabilities they may have as part of their diligent efforts to achieve the common fundamental good.”

On the conferment of the Nobel peace prize to the Dalai Lama 30 years ago, the Speaker said, “To the Tibetan people in general and, in particular, to the people across the world who cherish democracy, freedom, peace, and compassion, it was a perfect moment to exalt the incomparable deeds of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with joy, devotion and elation and to thereby bask in the joyousness of the supremacy of the ten virtues underlying them.”

Cultural performances were also presented during the event by students and staffs of Tibetan schools around Dharamsala and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.

The ceremony also included presenting the award of mementoes to health workers for their over 25 years’ service and retiring CTA staff.

As the day is locally marked here as International Himalayan Festival of Dharamshala by the local host community to offer their high salutations to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ajay Singh Mankotia, President of Dharamsala Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association thanked the CTA for their support over the last 23 years since the inception of the festival.