Dharamshala: As this year’s 65th Tibetan Democracy Day coincides with the Year of Compassion—celebrating the 90th birth year of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama—Tibetan settlements across India marked the occasion with festivities and heartfelt gratitude, joined by distinguished guests from local Indian communities.

In Dharamshala, the Central Tibetan Administration led a commemoration at Tsuglagkhang, attended by notable guests from the Government of India and Japan, along with a large delegation from the International Campaign for Tibet. Tibetan communities and settlement offices around the world also celebrated the day, inviting local dignitaries and long-time supporters of Tibet from their respective regions.

The Samyeling Tibetan Settlement, Delhi, celebrated the 65th Tibetan Democracy Day in the presence of Chief Guest Shri Surendra Kumar, National Co-Convener of CGTC-I, accompanied by Special Guest Shri Prahlad Singh Sawhney, Former Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

Representative Jigme Jungney from the Bureau Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi was unable to attend the event due to his important official responsibility of formally seeing off His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

Nevertheless, the formal message from the Representative of the Bureau Office was read aloud to the public by Kelsang Dolma, Accountant at the Tibetan Settlement Office, Samyeling.

In their addresses, Chief Guest Shri Surendra Kumar and Special Guest Shri Prahlad Singh Sawhney reaffirmed their enduring friendship with the Tibetan people and expressed their continued commitment to supporting the Tibetan cause. They also conveyed their personal dedication to standing in solidarity with the Tibetan community in the years to come.

Meanwhile, at the Poanta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement, the Tibetan Democracy Day celebration was graced by Chief Guest Shri Ajay Sharma, a retired Principal, and Special Guest Shri Jiwan Prakash Joshi, Headmaster of Government High School, Behral.

In their respective speeches, the Chief Guest and Special Guest reflected on the historic conferment of freedom and democracy upon the Tibetan people in exile by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. They also commended the Central Tibetan Administration for its progressive efforts under the noble leadership and guidance of His Holiness.

In Gangtok, the members of local Tibetan NGOs, representatives from monasteries, and Tibetan Settlement Officer and President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, gathered at the community’s Cholsum hall to commemorate the day. Graced by the presence of chief guest Khen Rinpoche of the Sera Jey Drophenling monastery, the event witnessed a vibrant cultural performances by the Sikkim-Himalayan folk dance group as well as a series of talk sessions on His Holiness’ four principle commitments, Central Tibetan Administration’s policy of the Middle Way Approach, and importance of upholding and incorporating usage of Tibetan language in one’s daily life.

In Bir Tibetan Settlement, the commemoration was observed by Tibetan settlers in the presence of Tsewang Rabgyal, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly; Karma Namgyal, Tibetan Settlement Officer; Tenzin Namgyal, President of Bir Tibetan Society; and other local dignitaries.

As part of the day’s proceedings, Settlement Officer Karma Namgyal, in his capacity as the Local Election Commissioner, presented certificates to former members of the Local Election Commission on behalf of the Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration.

In alignment with the Year of Compassion celebration, the Ghoton Committee of Bir Tibetan Settlement organised a two-round quiz competition titled “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Life & Legacy.” The first round featured participants from four Choshoks, while the second round included representatives from Diru Sakya Monastery, Men-Tsee-Khang, Sambhota School, and the Tibetan Primary Health Center under the Bir Tibetan Settlement Office. The quiz aimed to enhance public awareness of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s life, achievements, and his profound sacrifices for global peace, the cause of Tibet, and humanity at large.

At the Gyalyum Chenmo Community Hall, Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement, Ravangla, celebrated the day with Shri Wangyal Sherpa, SDM Rabongla, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Bishnu Prasad Sharma, Additional Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, as the Guest of Honour. The program was also attended by Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Kalsang Tseten, Speaker of the Local Tibetan Assembly Yangdup la, and the Chairman of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, along with a large gathering of community members.

In his address during the event, Settlement Officer Kalsang Tseten conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim and the Government of India for their continued support to the Tibetan settlement in Ravangla. He further appealed to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour to continue extending their support to the Tibetan cause and specifically requested the implementation of the 2014 Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in the state of Sikkim.

Both Chief Guest Shri Wangyal Sherpa and Guest of Honour Shri Bishnu Prasad Sharma delivered addresses highlighting the significance of the day and reflecting upon the unique democratic system gifted to the Tibetan people by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The commemoration in Kham Kathok Tibetan Settlement, Sataun, began with a traditional Sangsol and was attended by the Settlement Officer, Local Tibetan Assembly Chairman and members, monastery teachers and students, and the general public.

Messages from the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament were read by the Settlement Officer and LTA Chairman, respectively. The celebration concluded with Gorshey and games organised by local camp leaders.

On 3 September, a discussion on the legacies and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was held at Kham Kathok Monastery. Settlement Officer Ugen Choedon Oshoe formally opened the event with an introduction to the programme and its purpose.

Lopon Guru Dorjee of Kathok Nyingma Monastery led a detailed exploration of one of His Holiness’s teachings, explaining its deeper meaning, impact, and practical advice.

The legacies of His Holiness were then presented to the public through a visual display using a projector and banners. The Lopon guided the audience and young monks through each legacy, highlighting the profound influence His Holiness has had not only on Tibet but the world at large.