UK Representative Tsering Yangkey Attends 12th Annual Tibetan Flag Raising Ceremony in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes: On the afternoon of 27 April 2025, the Tibetan national flag was raised for the 12th consecutive year at the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple in Milton Keynes, standing tall as a symbol of solidarity with the Tibetan people.

The ceremony began with a serene singing bowl meditation and prayer session inside the temple, led by Kunchok Nyima. His skilful performance on singing bowls of varying sizes set a contemplative and reverent tone for the gathering of around 50 local residents and Tibet supporters.

Following a blessing of the Tibetan flag by Sister Maruta of the Japanese Buddhist temple, Councillor Marie Bradburn, Mayor of Milton Keynes, joined Tsering Yangkey, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the UK, to raise the Tibetan flag against the backdrop of the majestic temple. The Tibetan national anthem filled the air as the flag ascended, sung passionately by the Tibetans present.

In her maiden visit to Milton Keynes, Representative Tsering Yangkey expressed deep gratitude to the Mayor and attendees for their enduring support for Tibet. She spoke candidly about the worsening situation inside Tibet, spotlighting China’s intensified transnational repression, exemplified by the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in Vietnam, and the harmful impacts of colonial boarding schools on Tibetan identity.

In a heartfelt address, Mayor Marie Bradburn shared her sorrow upon learning about the plight of Tibetan children in these colonial institutions. She affirmed that her presence at the event was a strong message of solidarity with freedom-loving people everywhere, especially those in Tibet.

Catherine Mostyn Scott, who played a pivotal role in initiating the flag-raising tradition in Milton Keynes, delivered an emotional speech recalling the hardships faced by Tibetan refugees crossing the Himalayas into exile.

Adding to the poignancy of the event, local volunteer and key organiser, Indigo Sync, recited a powerful poem written just days earlier, evoking deep emotion among many in the audience. Singer Lee Bellingham, a regular feature at these gatherings, uplifted spirits with his heartfelt performance of a song dedicated to freedom.

Phuntsok Norbu, Chairperson of the Tibetan Community in Britain, thanked the participants for their enduring support. He also read excerpts from the statement issued by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on 25 April 2025, marking the 36th birthday of Tibet’s Panchen Lama.

As in previous years, the ceremony concluded with the popular Tibet flag run, with participants proudly carrying Tibetan flags through the local area. The event once again reaffirmed the community’s unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause and the hope for a free Tibet.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London