Democracy in Exile Turns 45

Saturday, 3 September 2005, 18:35

Dharamshala: Even as China celebrates the 40th anniversary of the so-called “Tibet Autonomous Region” amid great fanfare, the Tibetan diaspora yesterday celebrated the 45th year of the exile democracy in high spirit and optimism.

Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche addressing the ceremony

“Democracy will serve as a major gift for the Tibetan people inside Tibet when we are reunited in future”, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said at the official ceremony here marking the 45th anniversary of the Democracy Day.

On 2 September 1960, a 13-member Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (then the Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies), with representatives from the four Tibetan Buddhist traditions and three provinces (and later from Bon), took office for the first time—the day since marked as the Democracy Day.

The democratic Tibetan polity in exile is the fruition of an outstanding effort made solely by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kalon Tripa said, adding that the Tibetans have had the rare opportunity to enjoy the fruits of democracy without having to struggle for it.

The fact, which led the Chairman of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies, Pema Jungney, to warn that the Tibetans may fail to appreciate the true value of democracy.

Students of a local Tibetan school performing on the occasion

Saying that the years 2005 and 2006 is particularly important because of the elections of the Assembly and the Kalon Tripa, Mr. Jungney exhorted the Tibetan people to exercise their right to vote judiciously.

Dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration present at the ceremony also include the Chief Justice Commissioner, Justice Commissioner, Vice Chair of the Assembly, Kalons and members of the standing committee of the Assembly.

Toppers of the class XII exams this year

The erstwhile “Swiss Tibetan Prize”, now the Central Tibetan Administration’s prize to the civil servants for outstanding accomplishment, was awarded this year to a joint secretary of the Education Department, Mrs. Tashi Dolma. The prize carries a cash award of Rs. 10,000 from an endowment established by the Tibetan people in Switzerland.

Three students who scored top marks in the class XII exams this year—Jamyang Phuntsok (Science/Mussoorie), Lodhen (Commerce/Bylakuppe) and Ogyen (Arts/Gopalpur)—were also honoured during the ceremony. In addition to others, the Education Department also awards a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 to the toppers.