Dharamshala: Tibetans across the world celebrated the 30th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 December.

Members of Kashag, Members of Tibetan parliament, former Kalons and MPs, Settlement offices, representatives of Tibetan monasteries, local Tibetan assemblies and Tibetan community around the world marked the day with glowing tributes to the Tibetan Nobel laureate, elaborate ceremonies, speeches, prayers for His Holiness’ long life and health and cultural performances.

Likewise, Tibetan sweater sellers in Jaipur marked the occasion in the presence of Chief Guest Mahesh Joshi a member of parliament in the Lok Sabha (lower house) of the parliament. Also present at the event was the President of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog, Saurabh Srivastav. The Tibetans performed cultural performances.

In Australia, hundreds of Tibetans along with Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, members of Falun Gong and democracy activists marked the day with a protest rally in front of the Chinese Embassy in Canberra.

In Minnesota, the celebration was attended by monks; Chief Guests Carolyn Laine, member of the Minnesota Senate; Chief Guest Eric Pratt, member of Minnesota Senate; Tsewang Rigzin, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from North America; and the general public.

In his address at the event, Parliamentarian Tsewang Rigzin urged the State Senators on the following three points. 1) Hoisting of the Tibetan national flag in Minnesota Parliament on the Tibetan National Uprising Day i.e. on 10 March to show solidarity to Tibetan cause. 2) Set up a Tibet support group consisting of Members of Minnesota legislature from cross-political parties. 3) Support for the buying new community hall for Tibetans living there.

In response, Chief Guest Carolyn Laine, member of the Minnesota Senate in her address, assured her continued support for Tibet’s issue and for the new community hall. While Chief Guest Eric Pratt, member of Minnesota Senate expressed his solidarity to the critical situation of Tibet and spoke on the importance of culture protection. They later provided a copy of the resolution adopted by Minnesota State Legislature honoring Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.