Tibetans and Indian supporters at the Flame of Truth relay at Kollegal Tibetan settlement, Karnataka.

Kollegal: South India leg of “Flame of Truth” relay reached Kollegal Tibetan settlement on August 3. Grand reception was hosted on the same day and relay was organised at nearby Odayapala village.

On August 4, Flame of Truth relay began its journey from palace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and travelled to Dzogchen monastery, Dargyay monastery, Zephuk monastery, Taksham monastery, Old People’s home, Kagyu monastery and Local Tibetan hospital. The relay was led by executive members of Local Tibetan Assembly, Tibetan Freedom Movement, Tibetan Co-operative society, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association. On August 5 – 6, Flame of Truth relay travelled to all 22 camps of the Tibetan settlement and meeting was conducted at community hall of all camps.

On August 7, Flame of Truth relay began its next round of journey from settlement office to Chamraj Nagar city, headquarter of Chamraj Nagar district. The relay was led by President of Indo Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS) and Settlement Officer Phuntsok Tsering. There were 70 participants (both local Indians and Tibetans) in the relay. And in front of the district headquarter of Chamraj Nagar Distict Mr. Racha Chariya, president of ITFS and settlement officer Mr. Phuntsok Tsering gave speeches on the current crisis in Tibet. The delegation then met Additional Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum on the issue of Tibet. The Deputy Commissioner had expressed his solidarity with the just cause of Tibet.

On August 8 Global Solidarity Day was observed at palace of His Holiness in Kollegal Tibetan settlement. The programme began with prayers and settlement officer made brief speech on the “Flame of Truth” relay campaign and completion of 14th Kashag’s one year. Tibetan delegation then left the palace with “Flame of Truth” to its next destination Mysore city. Flame of Truth torch was then handed over to President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), Mysore at 12.30 noon. Executive members of RTYC, Tibetan students and local Tibetans witnessed the handing over of the torch.