Tibet Event in Crest Draws Many
Paris, 17 November 2003: At the initiative of the TSG association Drome-Ardeche Tibet, special Tibet related events were organised at Crest in the French department of Drome.
The main features of the events were extensive photo and material exhibition to inform the public about the rich cultural heritage of Tibet, and the on going political situation of Tibet. The permanent video projections were also organised in a different hall. The entire exhibitions were organised with support from the local municipal authority of Crest, Buddhist centre of Mogchok Rinpoche, TSG France-Tibet and local chapters of Lion’s and Rotary Clubs.
On the Inaugural event held on 14th November, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, Paris, Wangpo Bashi attended along with Mr Herve Mariton, Mayor and national MP of Crest. Mr. Mariton highlighted the cultural identity of the Tibetan people and the current sufferings of the Tibetan people. He said the solidarity to the Tibetan people is a duty of all free citizens who admire freedom.
In the morning of the 14th a press meeting was held at the Mayor’s hall where all local newspapers and radio stations were present. At the request of the TSG Drome Ardeche Tibet, Mr Mariton accepted to adopt the political prisoner – Panchen Lama Gendhun Choekyi Nyima by the Municipal authority. In France, over 150 municipalities have been sponsoring this kind of initiative since 1991. Although the Municipality has been hoisting on every 10th March the Tibetan national flag, the association has requested for the permanent hoisting as is done by over 400 municipalities in Europe.
Ritual dances were performed by Drepung monks before the crowd of over 300 people. Talks on Tibetan medicine were also held. Each day, over 90 students from Primary to High school visited and studied about Tibet through their special homework at the exhibition.