Mr Choekyong Wangchuk, Kalon, Department of Health is addressing the audience during the auspicious occasion on the dais. The other guest include which are as follows: From Left: Ms Yangchen Dolkar, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; Shri R.K. Khrimey, National Convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause; Dr. D.D. Lapang, Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Dr. K.C. Agnihotri, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Dharamshala; Prof. B.B. Dutta, Chairman, Shri Aurobindo Ashram; Shri Manas Chaudheri, Social Activist.
ITCO, 6th July 2016, Shillong – The hilly town of Meghalaya observed for first time a grand celebration of 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet festival at Auditorium, Shri Aurobindo Ashram, Shillong.
The program commence with the lighting of butter lamp by the Chief Guest Dr D.D.Lapang, former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Kalon Choekyong Wangcchuk, Dept. Of Health,CTA, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Followed by offering Khatak (silk scarf) in front of the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the golden throne while the monks of Gaden Choling monastery recited the Mangalacharan.
Students of Sambhota Tibetan School led the national anthem of Tibet and India with their school band and later beautifully sang a tribute song of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Gathering of more than 700 people comprising Tibetans, Nepalis, Garo, Khasi, Jainti, Bhutanese and other tribal communities and also representation from college and school students observed 1 minute silence in honor of Tibetan martyrs who selflessly sacrifice their life for the Tibetan cause and those who still suffer on day to day under the communist Chinese rule inside Tibet.
Shri R.K.Khrimey, National Convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India delivered the introductory remarks and said that 6th July is not only celebrated by the Tibetans, but also by the Buddhists communities and peace loving people around the world.
Mrs.Yangchen Dolkar, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, delivered the Statement of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile.
Representing Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Guest of Honor, Mr. Choekyong Wangchuk, Kalon, Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration delivered the Kashag Statement in English as most of the audience speaks English. The honorable Kalon further brief the statement in Tibetan, in gist he said that the Kashag calls for unity amongst the Tibetan people and focus on bringing forth unified front to resolve the issue of Tibetan cause.
Sikyong Dr.Lobsang Sangay was not able to take part in the festival due to his prior engagement to attend His Holiness the DalaiLama’s 81st birthday’s official celebration held at Mundgod, Karnataka on the same day.
Dr.D.D.Lapang, the Chief Guest is a former Chief Minister of the State and he mesmerise the crowd with praises for His Holiness life struggle of exile at the young age of 25, building the exile community from nothing to one of the most successful exile community in the world. Further, said that in these difficult times of intolerance and terrorism he is promoting a culture of freedom and dialogue for a better world.
Other dignitaries present during the program are Mr.James A. Sangma, MLA of Meghalaya, Shri Manas Chaudheri, revered Social Activist and Prof.B.B.Dutta, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Ashram also grace the occasion and delivered impressive speeches.
Later, the limelight of the celebration was a cultural program where people and guest all cheer to the cultural dances and songs by the students of Sambhota Tibetan school Shillong, and also traditional Tibetan dances from Tibetan community of Shillong and Miao (Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutanese cultural troupe, traditional Tamang dances by Tamang college students, people also enjoyed Bharatnatyam dance (Indian classical dance) by Ms.Jordan Kargunka, Tukmen Lomeykhar dance group from Rupa Arunachal Pradesh presented different Chams (religious dance).
Mr Tsering Dorje, office secretary, Shillong Tibetan Settlement office gave the thank you note.
Guest and the audience also enjoyed the grand photo exhibition of Tibet Museum, under Department of Information and International relations, CTA, Dharamsala. The travel exhibition showcase, ‘Biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’ and ‘The Three commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’. It also aims to create awareness about the unique Tibetan history and culture to the local public of Shillong.
Staff of ITCO, Delhi and Tibet Museum, Dharamsala distributed Tibet related books, leaflets and comic book on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the participants.
– Report filed by India-Tibet Coordination Office –
Tibetan community in Shillong performing the Tibetan cultural dance on 81st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.