Flame of Truth in Norgyeling Settlement, Bhandara, Maharashtra State
BHANDARA, Maharashtra: The Flame of Truth torch relay arrived in Norgyeling Tibetan settlement in Maharashtra on 28 September from Phuntsokling Settlement in Orissa.
The flame of Truth was received with a splendid welcome by the Tibetan community as well as the local Indians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Phuntsok Topgyal, the settlement officer and Mr Thupten Jamyang, the chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly explained the reasons behind starting the torch relay.
52 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet. The Flame of Truth torch relay was started to highlight the worsening situation inside Tibet, they said.
A prayer service and a signature campaign was also held to draw support and express solidarity with the suffering of Tibetans inside Tibet.
Many notable Indian leaders and members of the state Legislative Assembly also extended their support to the Flame of Truth relay.
Flame of Truth Torch Relay in St Petersburg, Russia
ST PETERSBURG, Russia: The St Petersburg leg of the Flame of Truth torch relay began on 29 September.
Addressing the rally, Geshe Ngawang Thugje of Tibet Culture & Info Centre said, Tibetans inside Tibet doesn’t have freedom of religion, language and culture.
He said, more than 52 Tibetans have set themselves ablaze calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, protesting against the Chinese government’s failed policies in Tibetan areas.
Russian Buddhist groups and Tibet Supporters who have participated in the torch relay expressed their solidarity and sympathy with the Tibetan issue.
The Flame of Truth torch relay was started by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile with the following demands:
1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substance of these resolutions
2. An independent international fact-finding delegation must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet
3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.
