Harijan Sevak Sangh, Kingsway Camp, New Delhi: On Sunday, 14 September 2025, the India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS), in collaboration with India Tibet Coordination office (ITCO), successfully hosted “A Day for Tibet” themed on Voices of Non Violence: Mahatma Gandhi and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s shared legacy. The program also commemorated the 75th birth anniversary of Hon’ble Prof. Anand Kumar, honouring his distinguished social and political legacy. Prof. Kumar’s lifelong dedication to democratic socialism and his unwavering support for Tibet Mukti Sadhana were celebrated as part of India’s moral and civilizational bond with Tibet.
The programme commenced with a prayer ceremony led by Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, joined by the students of Harijan Sevak Sangh, invoking blessings for peace and unity. This spiritually resonant beginning set the tone for the day’s reflections on non-violence and compassion.
A video message from Sikyong Penpa Tsering was then presented, conveying heartfelt birthday wishes to Prof. Anand Kumar ji on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary, and acknowledging his lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause.
To deepen the audience’s understanding of the event’s theme, a short film on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was screened, illuminating his global message of non-violence, compassion, and universal responsibility—a vision for a better world for all humanity.
The ceremonial segment continued with the singing of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by Dr. Anil Thakur, ITFS Delhi President, who delivered the introductory remarks. He offered a thoughtful overview of Prof. Anand Kumar ji’s decades-long leadership, highlighting his unwavering commitment, intellectual contributions, and moral courage in advancing the Tibetan movement and strengthening India-Tibet solidarity. In keeping with the tradition, Dr. Manoj Kumar, National General Secretary and Dr. Anil Thakur, President, Delhi ITFS, jointly felicitated Prof. Anand Kumar ji with a handcrafted traditional shawl and a ceremonial topi (hat).
As per Tibetan tradition, ITCO and ITFS jointly felicitated the dignitaries and speakers on the dais by offering the Khatak—a white ceremonial scarf symbolising purity, respect, and goodwill. In a moment of heartfelt recognition, Representative Jigme Jungney from the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Delhi presented a memento of Lord Buddha to Prof. Anand Kumar ji. This symbolic gesture honoured Prof. Kumar ji’s unwavering support and lifelong contribution to the Tibetan movement, reflecting his deep alignment with the values of compassion, non-violence, and spiritual solidarity.
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, recalled the founding moment of the India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS), which emerged in response to the illegal occupation of Tibet by the Chinese Communist regime. The historic All India Tibet Convention, held in Kolkata on 30–31 May 1959 under the visionary leadership of Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan, gave voice to India’s moral stand with slogans like “Save Tibet, Save Himalaya” and “Hands off Tibet”. Since then,
ITFS has stood in unwavering solidarity with the Tibetan people, especially after the arrival of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile, embracing India as their spiritual home. Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok ji also reminded us of the selfless contributions made by a generation of visionary Indian leaders—Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan, Acharya Kriplani, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, S. Nijalingappa, M.C. Changla, and many others—whose unwavering support laid the moral and political foundation of India’s solidarity with the Tibetan movement. Prof. Anand Kumar ji, inspired by socialist ideals since his college days, has dedicated his life to the service of the nation and the promotion of democratic values. In 1992, he assumed leadership of the India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS) as both President and Secretary, carrying forward the legacy of Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan with unwavering commitment.
His support for Tibet Mukti Sadhana is not merely political—it is a noble duty rooted in the shared civilizational, ecological, and spiritual lineage between India and Tibet. Prof. Anand ji’s contributions extend to the intellectual realm as well, notably through his work in the book “Mahatma Gandhi and His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Non-violence and compassion.
Representative Jigme Jungney extended his gratitude to be a part of this gathering on Tibet Day, which symbolises the enduring spirit of non-violent struggle as exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He highlighted that Tibet was an ancient independent nation that enjoyed peaceful relations with its neighbours, including India. However, this tranquillity was shattered in 1959 when the Chinese government forcefully and illegally occupied Tibet. Following this tragic event, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accompanied by 80,000 Tibetans, sought refuge in India. Upon their arrival, India’s Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru graciously received His Holiness and extended all possible assistance to the Tibetan refugees.
He expressed his gratitude to the unwavering support and guidance of the Government and people of India, and stated, “The Tibetan refugee community in India has become one of the most successful refugee rehabilitations in the world. In recognition of this profound kindness, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has often referred to Indians as Tibet’s gurus. Despite the untold suffering inflicted by the Chinese government—including the destruction of over 6,000 monasteries, cultural suppression, and unprecedented torture—His Holiness the Dalai Lama has consistently pursued the Middle Way Approach. This path of non-violence and meaningful autonomy reflects the same principles of peaceful resistance that Mahatma Gandhi championed.”
Prof. Anand Kumar, President of the India Tibet Friendship Society, began his address by warmly thanking all attendees for their presence and participation. He expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for hosting the event under the banner of the “Year of Compassion”, commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama—a global symbol of peace, resilience, and moral clarity Prof. Kumar urged everyone to honor this milestone by embodying the principles of non-violence and compassion, as exemplified by His Holiness and Mahatma Gandhi, in both thought and action. He called upon the gathering to make this year a living tribute to their shared legacy—by cultivating empathy, standing for justice, and serving humanity. In a deeply moving appeal, Prof. Kumar prayed for the realisation of “Azaad Tibbat”—a free Tibet—within this lifetime, not deferred across generations. He expressed heartfelt hope that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, along with all Tibetan brothers and sisters in exile, may one day return to their homeland in peace, dignity, and spiritual fulfilment. Until that day arrives, he emphasised the urgent responsibility of the Tibetan Diaspora and Tibet supporters in India to preserve, promote, and protect Tibetan identity and language—the living soul of Tibet’s civilizational heritage.
The programme was finally proceeding to the cake cutting ceremony on the celebration of 75th Birth Anniversary of Prof. Anand Kumar, along with all the students and audience present in the gathering.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Manoj Kumar, General Secretary of ITFS, expressing deep appreciation to all dignitaries, participants, and collaborating organisations for their presence and support.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 100 Tibet supporters, including representatives from the Bureau Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Settlement Office, Residential Welfare Association-Majnu ka tilla, Ladakh Buddha Vihar Tibetan Residential Welfare Association, Ladakh Buddh Vihar Tibetan Business Association and Tibetan Freedom Movement, Manju Ka Tilla, Regional Tibetan Women Association and other allied groups. Their presence reaffirmed the strength of India-Tibet solidarity across generations and regions.
As part of its educational outreach, the India Tibet Coordination Office successfully distributed books on Tibet to students and attendees, fostering awareness and understanding of Tibet’s history, culture, and struggle. The remaining literature was donated to the school library, ensuring continued access to resources that inspire compassion, resilience, and informed advocacy.
-Report Filed by ITCO
