CTA Marks India’s 77th Republic Day, Expresses Gratitude for Continued Support
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 26 Jan: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), commonly referred to as the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, today marked India’s 77th Republic Day by congratulating the nation on its remarkable journey from independence in 1947 to its emergence as a rising global power, while also acknowledging India’s support in hosting Tibetan refugees in 1959, even as the country itself was navigating the immense challenges of nation-building.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of India on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day,” said Officiating CTA President, Education Minister Tharlam Dolma, at the official flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Central Tibetan Secretariat.
“Over the years, India has made significant strides in its development and today stands as a rising global power for other nations to look up to. On behalf of the CTA and Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet, we wish India continued prosperity and hope it becomes one of the world’s greatest nations, contributing to stability, peace, and harmony across the globe.”
She further emphasised that it is extremely rare and difficult for any nation to extend help while facing its own tremendous challenges. She noted that, just over a decade after gaining independence from British colonial rule, India chose to offer refuge to thousands of Tibetans fleeing their homeland in the wake of China’s colonial occupation of Tibet.
“We Tibetans are forever grateful to India, and we will never forget that. I often remind young Tibetan students and those involved in the Tibetan freedom movement that once Tibet regains its freedom and we return home, we must always stand in support of India and its vision,” added Kalon(Minister) Tharlam Dolma.
Further expressing admiration for India, Penpa Tsering, the political head of the CTA who is currently on an official tour, stated on his X account, “We are in profound admiration of India’s remarkable journey, which strides confidently towards the vision of a ‘Naya Bharat’, marked by landmark achievements in every sphere while steadfastly upholding a robust commitment to the ideals of democracy.”
The brief official ceremony, marked by hoisting the tri-colored Indian national flag and the singing of the Indian national anthem, took place in the presence of other CTA dignitaries and bureaucrats including Dolma Tsering, the deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament in exile. This significant day is celebrated by the Tibetan diaspora across the globe, with Tibetans in India holding local ceremonies and observing it as a national holiday.
