Dharamshala: Earlier today, on 2 October 2025, the leadership and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) gathered at Gangchen Kyishong to honour the 156th anniversary of Gandhi Jayanti, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the revered advocate of non-violence and celebrated champion of civil rights and Indian independence. The event was led by the Officiating Sikyong Gyari Dolma on behalf of the 16th Kashag.
The ceremony was attended by Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Officiating Sikyong Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari of the Department of Security, Tibetan Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Auditor General Tashi Topgyal, Additional Election Commissioner Tsering Youdon, Parliamentarians Dhondup Tashi and Tsering Yangchen, along with senior officials from the Central Tibetan Administration.
The observance began with the offering of a butter lamp and flowers before a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing the media, the Officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari underlined the continued relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy of truth and non-violence to the Tibetan struggle.
“Today, on the birth anniversary of the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, we Tibetans, particularly the Central Tibetan Administration, join the people of India in remembering him with reverence. Gandhi’s method of achieving independence through truth and non-violence remains a guiding path for us,” said Officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari.
She noted that Tibetans hold deep respect for Indian religion and culture. Following Gandhi’s path, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has led the Tibetan freedom struggle through non-violence and peace. While many struggles across the world adopt armed resistance, the Tibetan people, guided by His Holiness’ vision, have enshrined in their Charter a firm commitment to pursue our struggle solely through peaceful and non-violent means, making us a unique community.
“We Tibetans have immense affection for India. We pray that India continues to grow as a powerful and exemplary nation for the world,” she concluded.
