His Holiness Turns 69, Dharamsala Turns Festive
Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche addresses the gathering |
Dharamsala, 7 July: As the Tibetans and their friends celebrated the 69th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Central Tibetan Administration held its official function here at Tsuglakhang yesterday. The celebration began with the offering of Tibetan white scarves to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the guests which included Yabshi members (members of His Holiness’ family) to symbolise reverence and devotion to the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people.
The Tsuglakhang courtyard where the function was held could hardly accommodate the people who had gathered to witness the coronation. Mr. Jadur Sangpo, the Supreme Justice Commissioner, the two Justice Commissioners, Mr. Pema Jungney, Chairman of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche and his Kalons attended the official celebration of the event.
In his address to the gathering, Mr. Pema Jungney said that the recently issued White Paper of the Chinese Government is a farce. The younger generation Chinese leaders should, unlike their predecessors, embrace a more realistic approach and liberal policies to ensure stability in China and peaceful coexistence with Tibet.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche expressed his administration’s gratitude by reiterating his solemn pledge to sincerely pursue the policy of Middle Way Approach in accordance with the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s enormous service to the humanity in general, and in particular, bestowing upon the Tibetan people a genuine democratic Tibetan polity; transforming the movement for resolving the issue of Tibet into a total non-violent endeavor; and proposing the Middle Way Approach, according to which if all the Tibetans were to enjoy a genuine autonomous status, Tibet would then remain within the framework of the People’s Republic of China, is a great guidance deserving appreciation of both the Tibetan and Chinese peoples”, Rinpoche said.
On the recently issued White Paper of the Chinese government tilted Regional Ethnic Autonomy in Tibet Autonomous Region, Rinpoche said that periodic white papers on Tibet cannot hide the sad state of affairs in Tibet. Instead it undermines the efforts to promote mutual confidence and trust, he added.
The public was then brought back from politics of their country to performing culture which they thoroughly enjoyed as the various Tibetan organisations and schools presented songs and dances to add onto the already festive mood of the town.
Later in the day, the final of the Inter Regional Tibetan Youth Congress basket ball tournament was played at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) where around five hundred eager fans assembled to support their teams. After four gruelling quarters, it was TTT Youngsters (Tibet Tours and Travels) which came from behind and beat the defending champions and favorites Seeds by 5 points to lift the trophy.
The festivities were not over yet as JJI exile brothers performed at the TIPA hall in front of a strong crowd of Tibetan and non-Tibetan rock fans.