CTA Celebrates Gandhi Jayanti with Tribute to Non-Violence Principles, Draws Parallels with Dussehra’s Victory of Truth
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSHALA, 2 Oct: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), commonly known as the Tibetan government-in-exile, today celebrated the 156th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi by honouring his principles of non-violence and satyagraha, values that the exile polity upholds as guiding inspirations in its own struggle.
A brief ceremony was held at the CTA headquarters here to offer floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, led by the officiating CTA President – Security Minister Gyari Dolma – along with several other staff members of the administration. Kalons (Ministers), Secretaries and senior officials of the CTA attended the ceremony.
Addressing the media, Dolma stated that “Mahatma Gandhi and his principle of non-violence hold a special significance for the Tibetan freedom struggle.” She emphasized that Tibet’s non-violent resistance is deeply inspired by Gandhi’s leadership in India’s independence movement.
She further noted that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, had urged Tibetans to follow Gandhi’s principle of non-violence in their struggle to reclaim and revive the freedom of the Tibetan people.
As Gandhi Jayanti coincided this year with Dussehra, the day symbolizing Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan, Security Minister Gyari Dolma remarked that this triumph of truth deeply resonates with the Tibetan struggle, which is likewise a fight for truth. She expressed her hope for the day to come soon when Tibet’s truth will also prevail.
The day is celebrated in every Tibetan school and refugee settlement in India. In schools, the occasion is dedicated to Gandhi, with songs, speeches, and elocution contests often prepared months in advance, while settlements mark the day with ceremonies that reflect both reverence and community spirit.
The Gandhi Jayanti celebrations among Tibetans thus serve as both a tribute to Gandhi’s enduring legacy and a reminder of the Tibetan people’s steadfast commitment to truth and non-violence in their ongoing freedom struggle.
Today also marks the International Day of Nonviolence, a day dedicated by the United Nations since 15 June 2007 to celebrate Gandhi’s invaluable contribution to the world.
