Tawang: Tawang, the birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Tsayang Gyatso and the cultural capital of Arunachal Pradesh witnessed the Peace Procession that was organised by Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch of Tawang chapter in coordination with Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India. The procession was carried out to protest against the unlawful occupation of Tibet, recent face-off at Indo Tibet border in June through August with the loss of Indian soldiers including Nyima Tenzin and China’s claim of Arunachal Pradesh being part of southern Tibet.
The peace procession began with the gathering of senior monks and nuns, local residents and supporters. From Tawang Monastery through Main Market square till Yiga Chozin community hall, a distance of more than 5 kilometres was covered by monks, nuns and laypersons with Buddhist prayer and slogans. The procession was followed by a meeting arranged at Yiga Choezin community hall, adhering to the instructions of district administration under the given pandemic situation of Covid-19.
Sh. Lhundup Choesang, President, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, Tawang pointed out the journey of Core Group Members from plains to Tawang for showing solidarity and standing in one voice against the brutalities of the Chinese Communist government.
In keynote address, the Coordinator for ITCO introduced the apex body of Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India and its objectives. He drew the attention upon proper coordination of programs and events that may generate more voice and energy in bringing more support and protest against the deeds of CCP. From Guwahati Press Conference to Tezpur Press Meet, he outlined the people’s uproar against Chinese Communist Government that is becoming bigger and wider day by day.
Sh. Surendra Kumar, National Co-Convener, Eastern Region; Sh. Soumyadeep Datta, Regional Convener for Assam and Meghalaya; Sh. Pema Wangda Bhutia, Regional Convener for North Bengal and Sikkim and Sh. Lobsang Geychen, Regional Convener for Arunachal Pradesh were present on the dais. In addition to this, Sh. Jambey Wangdi, Chairman, Department of Karmic and Adhyatamic, Government of Arunachal Pradesh was also present in the meeting.
Guest of Honor, Sh. Surendra Kumar, in his address, reminded the gathering of the centuries-old relationship between India and Tibet – safe and friendly – where no any passport, visa or documents required to visit between these two places. Whereas today, India being a developing nation, burdens the expenses the crores of rupees per day upon the security and its management. He reminded that the path of Tibetan cause is synonymous with Ahimsa of Mahatma Gandhi that diminished the colonialism of British raj and ushered India into an air of Swaraj.
Sh. Kumar further stated that the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India and his approach of Universal Karuna and Maitri. He underlined that the people of India is certainly indebted to His Holiness for rekindling the lights of wisdom that Indian civilization has enshrined in its values of education and sadbhavana. He called upon all the concerned organisations and individuals to urge Government of India to bestow Bharat Ratna to His Holiness the Dalia Lama for his undiminished and ever unending approach of universal mankind.
Sh. Soumyadeep Datta, hailing from Assam with its rich fragrance of culture and tradition, drew out the essence of Tibetan Freedom and its relation with India particularly with North Eastern Region including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. He hinted upon the cultural destruction of Tibetan Buddhism inside Tibet that was revived and practiced from India yet how it is being still preserved in India under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama after coming to exile since 1959. He urged the gathering to generate these points and reconnect the youth to their roots. He further stated upon the possibilities of numerous initiatives including selective camping for youth that may involve more enthusiasm in knowing its relevance.
Sh. Datta specifically pointed out how Chinese Communist policies are affecting the lives of Indian people through ecological destruction, military aggression and sponsoring insurgencies. He hinted that the lifeline for Assamese people – the Brahmaputra that originates from Tibet, passes through Arunachal Pradesh and enters Assam remains today under huge threat with the unnatural and forced modification of its flow being diverted and dozens of hydro projects being constructed upon this. Taking this opportunity, he also informed the gathering of upcoming Guwahati Book Fair during which Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India may put up a Tibetan stall to tell the story of its journey into exile and its expectation from unseen tomorrow.
Sh. Lobsang Geychen expressed his gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for showing special affection to the people of Arunachal Pradesh especially people of Mon region. He reminded the gathering that it is, therefore, the responsibility of Mon people in reassuring that His Holiness takes the same path of return to his sacred land of Tibet. He expressed his commitment that he will do everything possible in making this dream come true in the life span of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Sh. Jambey Wangdi, being the Chief Guest of the event, urged the gathering that all these events should and must be organised that serve the cause of TibbatMuktiSadhana and fulfil the aspiration of His Holiness.
In his appreciation remarks, he lauded the cooperation and training of TIPA that was extended to the youth of Mon region in establishing MIPA (Mon Institute of Performing Arts). In his concluding address, he thanked the organiser for having him invited at this historic event that shall send a strong message to both Beijing and New Delhi.
More than 113 participants including senior monks, nuns, laypersons and special invitees of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh attended the event.
-Filed by ITCO, New Delhi