3rd Sept. 2023, New Delhi : Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India (CGTC-I) delegation comprising of National Co-Convener Shri Surendra Kumar, Regional Convener Shri Soumyadeep Dutta, ITCO Coordinator Thupten Rinzin and Deputy Coordinator Tenzin Jorden, on the last leg of their tour, participated in the 63rd Anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day celebrations in Gangtok, Sikkim. The delegation was also joined by CGTC-I Regional Convener Shri Pema Wangda Bhutia who is based in Gangtok.
Shri Surendra Kumar and Shri Soumyadeep Dutta participated as the esteemed guests at the 63rd Tibetan Democracy Day celebrations held on September 2nd, 2023 in Gangtok, Sikkim. The event, hosted by Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Office and Regional Domey Association at Cholkha Sum Hall, Gangtok saw a distinguished line-up of attendees.
Honourable Shri Sonam Lama, the State Minister for Ecclesiastical, Rural Development, and Cooperation Departments of the Government of Sikkim, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Special guests included MLA Shri Y.T. Lepcha, Chithue Youdon Aukatsang, and others.
The event garnered significant attendance from both the Tibetan and local communities, with notable representation from Tibet Support Group (TSG), such as Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM).
Lhakpa Tsering, Tibetan Settlement Officer of Gangtok delivered the Kashag’s statement, updating the public on recent positive developments benefiting the Tibetan community in the state. Chithue Youdon Aukatsang also shared the statement of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, emphasising the importance of cherishing democracy while respecting diverse opinions and approaches.
Thupten Rinzin, the ITCO coordinator, highlighted the necessity of raising awareness about the current situation in Tibet among the local community to garner support. He introduced both ITCO and CGTC-I, providing background information.
Shri Soumyadeep Dutta stressed the need to promote an understanding of the interconnectedness between Hinduism and Buddhism at the grassroots level and discussed the potential impacts of large-scale dam construction in Tibet on the north-eastern Indian states. He pointed out that these states were already facing the consequences of Chinese policies, including pollution of the Brahmaputra River with nuclear waste and extensive mining activities in Tibet.
Guest of Honour, Shri Surendra Kumar, urged Honorable Minister Sonam Lama to convene a meeting of leaders from all Himalayan states to request the Central Government to confer the Bharat Ratna upon His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, among other national security matters. He emphasised the need for the Indian Government to reset its Tibet policy, placing Tibet’s interests at the forefront to protect India’s interests. He also shared the India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS) plan to expand its chapters to 300 across the country.
Chief Guest Honourable Shri Sonam Lama highlighted the millennium-long relationship between Tibet and India, especially with the Himalayan states. He praised the incredible contributions of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and recounted instances when His Holiness blessed the state. He expressed support for Shri Surendra Kumar’s suggestion and pledged to work with the Chief Minister of Sikkim and other Himalayan state leaders to request the Government of India to confer the Bharat Ratna upon His Holiness.
The event included the felicitation of Shri Surendra Kumar and Shri Soumyadeep Dutta for their unwavering support for the Tibetan cause. Cultural dance troupes performed by local Tibetan artists and Gorshey Tsokpa added to the event’s cultural richness.
The delegation consisting of CGTC-I National Co-Convener Shri Surendra Kumar, Regional Convener Shri Soumyadeep Dutta, ITCO Coordinator Thupten Rinzin, and Deputy Coordinator Tenzin Jorden, concluded their week-long tour of North Bengal and Sikkkim aimed at strengthening and reinvigorating the Tibet Support Groups (TSGs) while promoting Tibet awareness in Salugara, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok.
India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) based in New Delhi facilitated the week-long tour, highlighting the collaborative efforts to further the cause of Tibet.
–Filed by India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), New Delhi