Kalon Tripa thanks Tibetans and Tibet supporters in Berlin[Friday, 18 February 2011, 2:38 p.m.]

Kalon Tripa speaking at a round table discussion with journalists in Berlin, Germany, on 17 February 2011

BERLIN:
Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche yesterday evening addressed the
Tibetan community and the Tibet Supporters in Berlin. “Very
dear friends of Tibet,” said Kalon Tripa in his opening address. He
then expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Kashag for their support.
He requested them to continue their support for Tibet. He said
that the situation in the world is changing very fast – referring to
the recent changes in the Arab world. “The Chinese totalitarian regime
cannot remain forever. It is against the law of nature. When positive
changes come to China, then definitely Tibetan people will get
freedom,” he said. It was difficult to predict, he said. But
looking at the speed of changes taking place in Mainland China, the
dream of freedom for all the people of People’s Republic of China is
not far, he added. In response to a question on sustaining the
patriotism amongst the younger generation of Tibetans, Kalon Tripa said
“we see more enthusiasm among the youth than the elder people. This is
amazing.” The Tibetans below 50 years old in Tibet have never
seen His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s old culture.  According to
China, these Tibetans were raised under the blessing of the Red Flag.
But in spite of that they have more devotion and faith in His Holiness
the Dalai Lama and to the traditional Tibetan culture. “If you
analyse the uprising in 2008 in Tibet, more than 80 percent who
participated in the demonstrations were below 40, the younger
generation,” Kalon Tripa said. In the West, “We do have few
Tibetan youths who do not speak even Tibetan language but they are more
enthusiastic to participate in the Tibetan movement and do every bit
for regaining freedom of Tibet. Their patriotism and their yearnings
for regaining freedom is not less in comparison to other young people,
if not better. This is my experience from working with the Tibetans,” said Kalon Tripa.

Tibetan community in Berlin waiting for the arrival of Kalon Tripa  at the Berlin airport

Kalon Tripa greets Tibetans on arrival at the Berlin airport.