Tibetan Independence Day Marked with Currency-Themed Ceremony in Dharamsala
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 13 Feb: The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) and Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) jointly commemorated the 113th anniversary of the Proclamation of Tibet’s Independence by the Great 13th Dalai Lama today at the Bhagsu Hotel here in McLeod Ganj.
The ceremony, themed around the historic Tibetan currency known as the “Srang,” used in independent Tibet before China’s colonial occupation, also commemorated 113 years since the 13th Dalai Lama first introduced government-issued paper currency in Tibet — marking two significant milestones in the nation’s history.
“There are numerous historical realities that attest to Tibet’s status as an independent nation, and the Tibetan currency stands as one such testament to its separation from China. Through this theme, we are here to commemorate the anniversary of two crucial historical events,” stated Ngawang Choedon, program coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet.
The proclamation of Tibet’s independence and the introduction of a centralised monetary system in 1913 by the 13th Dalai Lama came after his return from exile during a period of intense external encroachment on Tibet between 1904 and 1910. This era was marked by the British invasion of 1904, which forced him to seek refuge in Mongolia, and the Qing military intervention of 1910, which compelled him to flee to British India. His return following the collapse of Qing authority enabled the reaffirmation of Tibet’s political status and the strengthening of its state institutions.
“History tells us that the 13th Dalai Lama was forced into exile, yet he returned to Tibet and proclaimed its independence. If there was a way forward then, I firmly believe there is a way forward now. The 14th Dalai Lama has repeatedly affirmed that the day will come when we all return to Tibet. Therefore, the idea of independence must remain at the heart of every program we organise for Tibet,” stated Tenzin Lobsang, General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress.
As the Tibetan diaspora is scattered across the globe, renowned Tibetan singer Techung, who performed his song Rangzen (Independence ), cautioned against growing distant from the Tibetan freedom struggle.
“As a diaspora community, we are scattered across the world, and over time, we have grown distant from our cause. Too often, we remain inactive. It is crucial that we never forget our mission. The small number of freedom fighters must persevere at all costs, so that the next generation—the students gathered here today—can carry the struggle forward,” stated Techung.
The ceremony remained open throughout the day, featuring an exhibition of Tibet’s currency provided by the Tibet Museum, traditional Tibetan games, food stalls, with a circle dance to conclude the event. The program also incorporated the use of Tibetan currency for the day to recreate an immersive atmosphere that reflects life in Tibet.
On 13 Feb. 2013, Tibetans across the world marked the centennial of the proclamation of Tibetan independence made by the great thirteenth Dalai Lama in 1913. Since then, Tibetans and supporters have been commemorating 13 Feb. as Tibetan Independence Day to counter China’s claim that Tibet was historically a part of China.
