Recalling that her family had been colsely associated with the Tibetans, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi commended them for upholding their tradition and culture even in exile.
“My family has been closely associated with the Tibetan movement since you (Tibetans) came here and we continue, my son and I, this tradition of being closely involved with the Tibetan people,” she said at a function to mark the 55th anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day.
The Minister for Women & Child Development commended the Tibetan spirit to uphold the tradition and culture even in exile and urged them to continue their efforts.
“We know the struggle will be long and hard and we inIndia appreciate your bravery and today we celebrate the gift by His Holiness (the Dalai Lama). I assure you that we will see that your stay in India and association with us will be a happy one,” she said.
Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay, in his address, acknowledged the resolution passed by US Senate recognising the Central Tibetan Administration and hoped that the Indian Parliament also does the same.
“The US Senate has passed two resolutions celebrating and recognising the Central Tibetan Administration and also the Tibetan democracy and the Sikyong. I hope that the members of the Indian parliament will have similar resolutions,” he said.
Speaker of Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering in his statement condemned Chinese atrocities, he said, “This year alone there have been seven such cases. I therefore urge the UN, United Nation Human Rights Council and countries that love democracy, justice and freedom to bring emphatic pressure on the government of China.”
Kangra MP Shanta Kumar of BJP and other Indian dignitaries were present at the Tsug-la Khang, the main Tibetan temple where thousands of Tibetans gathered to take part in the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day.
The gathering appreciated the cultural performances by students and residents.