Dharamshala: The Tibetan settlements and scattered communities across India joyously celebrated the 35th anniversary of conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 December 2024.

With the gracious presence of a parliamentary delegation from New Zealand and the Fijian parliament, the official function of the Central Tibetan Administration was held in Dharamshala at the Tsulagkhang’s courtyard and was attended by Tibetan leadership and other distinguished guests.

A half dozen hours away from Dharamshala, at the auditorium of TCV Patlikuhl in Kullu, members of the Tibetan community in Kullu and Manali gathered to observe the 35th anniversary of conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The day began with an offering of Sang-sol (the ceremonial burning of juniper) and prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s longevity. Following that, the gathering sang national anthems of India and Tibet as well as Nobel Peace Prize song, led by students from local Sambhota Tibetan Day School, to commence the celebration.

After reading Kashag’s annual statement for the day, the Acting Tibetan Settlement Officer addressed the public, informing them about the forthcoming ‘Year of Compassion’ celebration and inviting contributions. She further implored Tibetans in the region to cooperate and support the programs arranged by the local organising committee for His Holiness’ upcoming year-long 90th birthday celebration. In addition, the Acting Tibetan Settlement Officer spoke about the Tibetan Medicare System and encouraged Tibetans to enrol in it.

The President of the Local Tibetan Assembly read the statement of Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE), and the students displayed dialectical disputation on topics related to the Tibetan language and mathematics subjects. Certificates were also conferred to two outstanding students.

In the hill town of Kalimpong, the Tibetan Settlement Office organised a commemoration at the Gaden Tharpa Choeling Monastery in the presence of Chief Guest Shri Bhim Aggarwal, ITFS, along with members of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA), the rector of Sambhota Tibetan School (STS) Kalimpong, and representatives of various NGOs.

The program commenced with the singing of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a rendition of the Nobel Peace Prize song performed by the students of Sambhota School in Kalimpong. Following that, Tibetan Settlement Officer Tseten and LTA President Tsering Choekyab delivered the statements of Kashag and TPiE, respectively.

In his address, Chief Guest Shri Bhim Aggarwal, ITFS, expressed his honour in attending the event and celebrating this significant day with the global Tibetan community, highlighting the resilience of the Tibetan struggle and the harmonious coexistence of the Tibetan people in Kalimpong. He praised the peaceful nature of the Tibetan community and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to the region.

The occasion also included the presentation of awards, recognising Pemala from Sambhota School for 25 years of dedicated service, along with certificates for the best boy and girl students of Sambhota School.

The day was further enriched by vibrant cultural performances by students of Sambhota School, the Lhamo Association of Kalimpong, Gangjong Dhoeghar, dro performance by the Dro association with its revival after 20 years, the Tibet Women’s Association of Kalimpong, and the general public.

As a gesture of gratitude, the Tibetan community of Kalimpong presented souvenirs to the Chief Guest, recognising his pivotal role in supporting and advancing the interests of the Tibetan community in the region. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Rector of STS.

In Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement, to spread His Holiness’ message of compassion, the Tibetans marked the day by distributing clothing to impoverished local residents on the day of 10 December following the formal gathering at the settlement.

The official function began in the morning with monks from Pal Shalu Monastery and Tibetan settlers, as well as school teachers and staff, offering Sang-sol. Thereafter, the gathering sang the national anthems of India and Tibet, as well as a tribute song for the renowned Nobel laureate. During the celebration, Tibetan Settlement Officer Gelek Jamyang read Kashag’s statement. 

The event also featured musical performances by students of STS Paonta, a presentation of an excellence certificate to a female student from STS Paonta, and the bestowal of service recognition awards to four staff members from the STS Paonta and local branch of Men-tsee-Khang for their more than 25 years of dedicated services for the community.  

Similarly, in the Coal Capital of India, Dhanbad, Tibetan readymade garment retailers of New Lhasa Market in Baba colony organised charitable initiatives to accumulate merits for the long life of His Holiness. The Tibetan retailers held a mass prayer on the day, followed by the distribution of winter clothing, blankets and sweets to the local economically disadvantaged residents. The group also introduced the plight and current political status of Tibet and Tibetans during the distribution. 

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Tibetan small scale retailers gathered at Manas Bhawan hall to celebrated the 35th anniversary of conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in presence of Phendeling Tibetan Settlement Officer Tsewang Yangtso from Mainpat.

Concurrently with the commemoration, the gathering also celebrated the 50th founding anniversary of the Bhopal Tibetan Market, along with the pre-celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s forthcoming 90th birthday.

The celebration was also attended by several distinguished local dignitaries, including Mayor of Bhopal Smt Malthi Rai, MLA Shri  Bhakwan Das Sabnani, Dr. Mohan Lal, and Shri Manoj Manik.