Dharamshala: On 2 September 2024, Tibetan communities in exile around the world celebrated Tibetan Democracy Day, marking 64 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama established a democratic system for the Tibetan people. This significant day was observed at various Tibetan community centres, with special festivities taking place in India, Nepal, and in other countries hosting Tibetan associations.

In Dharamshala, the leadership of the Tibetan community in exile commemorated the occasion alongside a parliamentary delegation from Estonia. Meanwhile, Tibetan settlements and community centres across India, Nepal, and beyond held their own events, coming together to express their profound gratitude to His Holiness for the invaluable gift of democracy.

Likewise, in Antwerp, Belgium, the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association organised a celebration in the presence of Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, Thinley Wangdue; EU Advocacy Officer, Tenzin Phuntsok; Accountant of the Bureau du Tibet, Tenzin Norden; presidents of the associations of Cholka-sum (the three traditional provinces of Tibet); and representatives from the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and regional Tibetan People’s Movement for Middle Way Approach.

The celebration featured traditional performances by the Tibetan students of the Sherab Nangje Weekend School and a recitation of poem on Tibetan Democracy Day by its former student, Metok.

Simultaneously, the staff from the Bureau du Tibet seized the occasion to gather voluntary contributions from Tibetans who had yet to make their contributions following the recent amnesty. They also used this opportunity to assist with the issuance, re-issuance, and correction of Green Books.

A similar jubilation resonated seven thousand kilometres eastward from Antwerp, in the heart of Kathmandu.

Led by Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku Ngawang Chokdup, Tibetan Settlement Officers, presidents and vice presidents of Local Tibetan Assembly from three different Tibetan Settlements, Chairman and Administrator of the Snow Lion Foundation, Director of the Sherig Parkhang Branch in Nepal, members of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, and Principals and Head teachers of the Tibetan schools gathered at Namobuddha (Takmo Luejin), a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site and one of the Kathmandu Valley’s three principal stupas, to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day. The gathering made an offering of burning junipers (Sangsol) at the stupa for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s well-being and longevity.

In Geneva, members of the Tibetan community of Swiss and Liechtenstein gathered together to celebrate the 64th Tibetan Democracy Day in the presence of Geshe Tenzin Jangchup, abbot of the Tibet-Institute Rikon, and Tenzin Choesang from the Office of Tibet, Geneva, as its chief guests. 

The celebrants during the commemoration also included representatives from Swiss and Liechtenstein-based Tibetan civil societies.

Similarly, in far East Asia, in Taiwan, the Taipei-based Office of Tibet and Tibetan Association of Taiwan organised a celebration of Tibetan Democracy Day with the gracious presence of Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche as chief guest. 

After extending a reception for the Rinpoche’s arrival, Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, Buddhist philosophy teacher of the office and President of the Tibetan Association, addressed the gathering regarding the evolution of Tibetan democratic polity and its significance. The gathering was also addressed by Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche, who then conferred transmission and teachings of Gangloma (a hymn to bodhisattva Manjushri) and lojong tsig gyad ma (eight verses of mind training). Rinpoche further bestowed a statue of Buddha to the Office of Tibet.