Tibetan National Uprising Day Observed Across RussiaMonday, 16 March 2009, 15:34 p.m.
Moscow: The fiftieth anniversary of the Tibetan people’s uprising against the repression and occupation of Tibet by the People’s Republic of China was commemorated in several cities of Russian Federation on 10th March.In Kalmykia, the event began in the morning at the Buddhist temple with prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for the well-being and freedom of the Tibetan people.Around 200 friends and supporters of Tibet attended the prayer, which was led by Tibetan and Kalmyk monks. Mrs Antonina Kookueva, chairperson of Tibet Support Group (TSG), readthe Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 50th Anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising day. In the evening, the candle light vigil, organized by TSG in the center of Elista, capital of Kalmykia Republic, was joined by over 150 friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans. The event was covered by major national media.In Buryatia, the event was observed as “The 50th Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising and H.H. The Dalai Lama in Exile”, which was organized by Green Tara Center. In the evening, about 37 friends and supporters of Tibet joined the protest against oppression and systematic destruction in Tibet. The event was held at the center of Ulan Ude, capital of Buryatia Republic. Holding Tibetan national flag, the protesters were carrying banners with slogans, such as: “Don’t Exterminate Tibetan People, “Tibet is Our Spiritual Mother”, “Our Heart is with Tibetans”, “We Support Middle Way Policy of H.H. The Dalai Lama” and etc. The event was followed with signature campaign.In Moscow, the event began with press conference at Independent Press Center, where the Tibet issue was discussed and answered by Mr. V.M. Gefter, director of Human Rights Institute, Mrs. Julia Jironkina, chief editor of Save Tibet, Mr Nawang Rabgyal, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Mr. N.Valery, a journalist. It received good coverage in Radio Svoboda and BBC in Russian, Portala-credo and other media. In the evening, a prayer offering was dedicated to those brave Tibetans who sacrificedtheir lives for the cause of Tibet, organized by Tibet Culture & Information Center at the Open Society. The prayer led by Tibetan monks was joined by Russian, Tuvain, Kalmyk and Buryat Buddhists residing in Moscow. Representative Nawang Rabgyal spoke about the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising, the nature of Tibetan struggle and aspiration of Tibetan people. The statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 50th anniversary of Tibetan national uprising day (in Russian) was distributed to all present in the Open Society. The event in Moscow also received extensive media coverage in media. (Click here to read His Holiness’s statement in Russian)Related reports:Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising DayStatement of Tibetan Parliament on 50th Tibetan National Uprising DayStatement of the Kashag on the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising day
