Dharamshala: The 25th Founding anniversary of the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM) was commemorated this morning in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the event’s chief guest at the Thekchen Choling Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala.
The celebration was also attended by Shree Indresh Kumar, patron and founder of BTSM; Shree Kishan Kapoor, Member of Lok Sabha; Shree Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Lok Sabha; Gajendra Chauhan, former television actor; Shri R. K. Khrimey, National Vice President of BTSM; and Shree Pankash Goyal, National General Secretary of BTSM. Acting Chief Justice Commissioner Karma Dadul, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Officiating Sikyong Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra (Department of Education), Kalon Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok, and standing committee member of the Tibetan Parliament were also at the gathering.
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness the Dalai Lama reminded the Tibetan community about the gratitude owed to government and people of India for accommodating sustenance of Tibetans in exile including aiding in the preservation of Tibet’s cultural heritages as well as imparting the modern education to Tibetans. His Holiness also conveyed his gratitude to the BTSM for their continuous support of the Tibetan cause.
To underscore the close ties between Tibet and India on the auspicious occasion, along with the derivation of Tibetan script from the Devanagari during the Songtsen Gampo’s reign, His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented the historical accounts of an introduction of Mahayana Buddhist tradition inside Tibet following a thorough debate contested between Chinese yogi and Indian scholar that was adjudicated by the king Trisong Detsen himself and adopted the practice of the Indian side which contains the study of Ground (gzhi), Path (lam), and Fruition (bras): the standard categories for describing Buddhist practice, and the three trainings (morality, concentration and wisdom).
Given His own experiences of meetings and discussions with scholars and scientists, His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised every Buddhist to practice the analytic meditation and engage in studies of dialectics to enhance and sharpen their analytical thinking and reasoning. His Holiness also counselled three major Gelug monastic colleges and other monasteries to uphold, preserve and disseminate the Buddha’s teaching.
After the addresses from Shree Indresh Kumar-led dignitaries of the BTSM, the guest of honour Officiating Sikyong Kalon Changra Tharlam Dolma of the Central Tibetan Administration spoke at the event.
She expressed gratitude to the founding members and current leaders of BTSM for their unwavering support for the last 25 years and commended the exemplary of centuries old guru-chela relationship between the Tibet and India thanking the latter for their input in the revival of Tibetan Buddhism in exile.
She then emphasised the relevance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s commitment to reviving and raising young Indians’ awareness of the importance of old Indian knowledge and wisdom.
“When examined through the lens of secularism and academia, ancient Indian wisdoms have a huge potential to contribute to the advancement of humanity and global peace”, said the Kalon. She further lauded India as the origin of wisdom and Tibet as the crucial agent in preserving and propagating this wisdom. While imploring for genuine efforts from the two communities in materialising the aspirations of His Holiness, she pleaded with the international community to not remain silent and ignore the Nalanda-based Tibetan Buddhism.
PRC’s occupation of Tibet have brought the distinct Indian-Tibetan national identity to the verge of complete eradication. However, “the visionary leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and enduring generosity of the Government and people of India have paved the way for the revival, preservation, and flourishing of Tibetan language, culture and religion in exile,” she added.
Before concluding, she reiterated the historical status of Tibet as an independent nation and vehemently refuted the legitimacy of PRC over Tibet.
Aside from these connections on a religious, cultural, and spiritual level, the officiating Sikyong also highlighted the ecological significance of the Tibetan plateau, which serves as Asia’s water tower impacting the continent’s climate.
Security Kalon Dolma Gyari, who is also in the attendance acknowledged gratitude to all supporters who have raised their voices in support of Tibet during the gathering.
The guest of honour and other distinguished guests also spoke at the event, including the Speaker of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel who also expressed his gratitude to the government and people of India.