DHARAMSHALA: The department of health of the Central Tibetan Administration marked ‘International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’ with a play titled ‘Norbu’ at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. The day is held annually on 26 June to speak out against the crime of torture and to honour and support victims and survivors of torture throughout the world.

The play was based on a true-story of a Tibetan, who had suffered torture inflicted upon him by the Chinese authorities. The play aimed to shed light on the tortures perpetrated by Chinese.

In the introduction to the play, the narrator says, “The play was titled Norbu, meaning Gem in Tibetan. The dual meaning of the play portrays the name of the victim and it also implies the courage of the political prisoners who endured Chinese atrocities. Tibetans consider their bravery like a precious gem.”

The chief guest at the paly was Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. Other dignitaries include Health Kalon, Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, TIPA Director Pesur Wangdue Tsering and Ms. Gang Lhamo, Member of Tibetan Parliament and officials from the health department.

Deputy Secretary Trinley Wangmo from the health department gave the introductory speech, explaining the significance of marking the day to help restore dignity and rehabiliatate the victims of torture.

In his address, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay spoke about the dire situation prevailing inside Tibet. “Tibetans who are even remotely connected to a political activity are arrested by Chinese authorities and imprisoned and tortured. We are deeply concerned about these happenings and urge the world community and rights organisations to pressurise the Chinese government to repeal its repressive policies.”

“How Tibetan victims stand out from the other victims in the world is that they carry no animosity towards their perpetrators,” he added saying that such response demonstrates the spirit of a Buddhist.

A message form a Tibetan torture survivor read, “I bear no anger against my perpetrators for what they did to me as a devout Buddhist. Whenever I feel pain and I struggle with my illnesses, I practice and pray that my illness and pain can be beneficial in relieving the sufferings of all other people in this world. May my suffering take away the pain of others, I pray daily.”