Canberra: Under the leadership of the Tibetan Community of Victoria, the regional V-TAG members and Sam Hibbins, a Greens member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, organised an exhibition cum Tibetan New Year celebration at Victoria’s state Parliament House on 26 February 2024.
The chief guest of the event, Victorian Parliamentarian Dr Samantha Ratnam, in her address, lauded the Tibetans’ commitments and efforts to preserve their distinct heritages as China intensifies its persecution of Tibetan religion, language and culture. In addition, she expressed her gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for preaching the messages of compassion and kindness throughout the world.
Similarly, Parliamentarian Tim Read, who also partook in the event, stressed Tibetans in the gathering to preserve the Tibetan language as it is crucial for the survival of Tibetan identity. As a member of the Legislative Assembly, he ensured his support in this matter and urged Tibetans to fulfil their responsibility of maintaining the Tibetan language.
President of the Tibetan Community of Victoria Dongshar Samdup presented the dignitaries with a thangka containing His Holiness’ message to appreciate the legislative members for their support towards the Tibetan cause.
As part of the exhibition, Tibetan students presented Tibetan histories and traditional performances before the gathering.
-Report filed by OoT Canberra