Tibetans in Dharamsala celebrate 28th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Dec 10: Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters today gathered at the court yard of Tsug-lag-khang, the main temple in Mcleod Ganj to attend the official function to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

BJP’s MP from Mandi, Shri Ram Swaroop attended the function as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries at the ceremony include Officiating President Home Kalon(Minister) Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phunstok, representatives of the three pillars of the Tibetan democracy as well as members of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang and the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-exile, Achraya Yeshi Phuntsok delivered the official statements of the Kashag (the Tibetan cabinet) and the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile respectively.

Shri Ram Swaroop thanked the Tibetan spiritual leader for making Dharamsala a centre of attraction for people across the world through his message of peace and love and congratulated the Tibetan Nobel Laureate on the 28th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace prize as he began his address.

“I urge the Government of India to confer the highest civilian award, ‘Bharat Ratna’ to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to invite the Dalai Lama to address the joint session of the Indian parliament ” Shri Ram Swaroop said and added that he will make every effort to bore fruition to it.

The ceremony also included felicitation of five civil servants from Health Department in recognition of their twenty five years distinctive service and two civil servants from public service commission of the CTA who are retiring after their distinctive service.

“For His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s tireless promotion of human values, peace and compassion, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Today, he is one of the most admired leaders of the world and an icon of peace,” Home Kalon stated.

Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang also praised this years Nobel Peace Prize winner, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for their contribution towards nuclear free world, a cause His Holiness the Dalai Lama has over the years strongly advocated for.

As December 10 is also celebrated across the world as the Human Rights day and marks 69 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was issued, Home Kalon Sonam highlighted the gravely deplorable human rights situation inside Tibet.

“Sadly, the human rights situation in many countries including Tibet continues to be deplorable. We are taking this opportunity to remind the United Nations and the UN Human Rights Council and all other peace and justice-loving individuals and governments about the ongoing repression and oppression still rampant in today’s world,” Home Kalon said.

Cultural performances were also presented during the event by Youngling students, dance troupes from TCV upper and Lower and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.

“It was on the 10th of December 1989 that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was presented with this globally most acclaimed of award, the Nobel Peace Prize. In this connection it bears pointing out that all the deeds of His Holiness the Dalai Lama were designed to serve others in general terms and, in particular, the Tibetan people and their culture to ensure their sustenance, progress and revival in ways which are beneficial to the whole world,” Acharya Yeshi Phunstok said.

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, the Deputy Speaker said, “ we offer our appreciations to everyone involved in organizing this festival. Besides, to all the concerned nations offering support for the Tibetan cause, and, in particular, to the central as well as concerned state governments and the people of India, who have given support and material facilities for the general wellbeing of the Tibetan people and in the efforts to realize their just cause, we owe such gratitude as could hardly ever be forgotten and we take the opportunity offered by this occasion to express our heartfelt appreciations to them.”