ITCO, 20th March 2018, Tawang – Following a grand prayer service with offerings of Mendrel Tensum (Representative of Buddha’s Body, Speech and Mind) by monks and nuns at Tawang monastery, the third day of the Padyatra programme began from Tawang monastery to DC bungalow through the main market of Tawang. The marchers were accorded a warm reception by the people of Tawang upon their arrival at the bungalow of the District Commissioner, where His Holiness took rest during his journey through Tawang in April 1959.

The marchers then proceeded towards Kalawangpo Convention Hall located on a small hilltop where the main programme titled ‘Celebrating Kundun’ began from 11:00 am. The programme began with a welcome speech by Mr. Lhundup Choesang, President of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM).

Ven. Ngawang Norbu, former lopon of Tawang monastery gave the introductory remarks explaining that the people of Monyul (Local word for the region of Tawang and west Kameng district) are commemorating the 60th year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s journey from Tibet to India through Monyul in April 1959. Further, he said that he strongly believe that implementing His Holiness message of peace and harmony and also preservation of Tibetan language, religion and deeply rooted Buddhist way of life will be a great reverence to His Holiness.

Shri Sunderlal Suman, Regional Convener of UP region, Core Group for Tibetan Cause, in his emotional speech stated that 60 years back His Holiness was received with respect and devotion in April 1959 especially by the people of Monyul and also India. We should commit ourselves for the cause of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s safe return to Tibet with same love and devotion.

Later, Padmashri Ven. Thupten Phuntsok, while applauding and acknowledging Shri Sunderlal Suman’s talk, addressed the 400-odd audience. He said that in the last 60 years His Holiness has tirelessly contributed and advocated India on the global platform in general and has particularly worked towards the revival of Buddhism and India’s centuries-old tradition in Himalayan region from Ladakh to Tawang. Hence, he said that the people of Himalayan region should, as it is about time, also organise a ‘Thank You Dalai Lama’ programme at this stage.

Guest Speaker, Shri R.K.Khrimey, National Convenor, Core Group for Tibetan Cause, in his address clarified that Padyatra is organised not only to commemorate a historic event which happened 60 years back but also to remind the younger generation of the historical moment.

Tawang Monastery abbot, Gangkar Tulku, the chief guest at the program reiterated the people of monyul’s reverence and devotion towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama and agreed to join the yatra as far as possible.

Four elders from Tawang who have personally taken part in the reception of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in April 1959 were felicitated with loud applause by the audience and were bestowed Khatak and portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Shri R.K.Khrimey. The four elders are Aney (92 years old), Lungten (83 years old), Ashang Thupten (82 years old) and Sangyal Lungten (89 years old).

The thank you note was given by Geshe Thupten Khedup, President of Education Support Organisation of Tawang.

The program concluded at 3pm with lunch organised by Tawang town market association and the programme was efficiently chaired by Mr Ngawang Norbu, President, Tanyom Tsokpa, Tawang.

Tawang abbot, Gangkar Tulku inaugurated photo exhibition titled ‘Home to Exile’ by Tibet Museum, DIIR, CTA based in Dharamsala.

In the evening, the Padyatris were presented with a cultural programme by the Snow Lion Cultural troupe and WASV (Welfare Association of Shyo Village) cultural troupe at Zomkhang Hall, Circuit house. The dinner was hosted by Manjushree Vidyapit Orphanage at Circuit house.