New York: 10 March 2026 marks the 67th anniversary of the 1959 widespread resistance by Tibetans from all three provinces in the capital, Lhasa, against the oppression of the Chinese Communist government. It is a significant day of remembrance for the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan nation and its people. Every year, Tibetan exiles worldwide organise various events to observe this anniversary; accordingly, the 67th Tibetan National Uprising Day was solemnly commemorated in New York City.

While major events and ceremonies in North America are often scheduled for weekends to accommodate working schedules, Tibetan National Uprising Day is such historical and political importance that the commemoration is held on 10 March itself.

In North America, there are a total of 36 Tibetan community associations of various sizes. Today, in every location where Tibetans reside, these associations took the lead often collaborating with various NGOs, to organise ceremonies commemorating the 67th Tibetan National Uprising Day. By marking the history of the uprising that took place in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, 67 years ago on 10 March, and through various peaceful protest activities targeting the brutal and oppressive policies implemented by the Chinese Communist government in Tibet, they have sent a clear message even as generations of Tibetans change, the struggle for Tibet has not ended and continues with unwavering resolve.

To summarise these events: Tibetans commemorated the 67th anniversary of the March 10th Uprising by engaging in protests and peaceful marches; listening to speeches on Tibetan issues by local officials and Tibet supporters; and hoisting the Tibetan national flag in the plazas of state or city governments. The proceedings included accounts of how the March 10th Uprising originally occurred; the reading of official statements from the Kashag (Cabinet) and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; the playing of the National Anthem; the recitation of the “Prayer of Truth” (Dhentsig Monlam); and the recitation of long-life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. By carrying the “Snow Lion” national flags and various banners and placards featuring diverse slogans in both English and Tibetan, they sent a clear signal that the Sino-Tibetan conflict remains an unresolved issue that has yet to be settled.

Dr Namgyal Choedup, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America, travelled to New York to attend the ceremony at the United Nations Plaza, accompanied by Kunga Tashi, Tibetan Liaison Officer of the Office of Tibet, Washington, DC.

In his address, Dr Namgyal Choedup noted: “Today marks the 67th anniversary of the Uprising, and it has been 77 years since China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949. Despite the continuous implementation of brutal policies, the Chinese government has failed to eliminate the Tibetan struggle. This failure proves the resilience of our cause, rooted in the non-violent path guided by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The younger generation must remain committed to this path and intensify their efforts.” He further urged the United Nations not to ignore the situation but to support the just and non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people