Expressing Gratitude; Exile Tibetan Women thank India and it's people
photo courtesy; Dhondup Tashi (Tibet Times)
August 14, 2009, Dharamsala; Tibetan Women across the globe thank India and it's people
Today, on this momentous occasion of the eve of 62nd Independence of India, Tibetan Women across the globe take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to the Country that has given the Tibetan people a reason for existence and a niche pedestal to thrive, strive and to struggle. Representing the aspirations of Tibetan women inside and outside of Tibet, Tibetan Women's Association convey our sincere indebtedness to the government and the people of India who have entrusted us with their own country as a safe haven for peace, security and stability. We thank India for nurturing us and for its ingenuity in times of our adversity. We also thank India for being the most humane country. We trust that this virtuous nation will always see a prolific sense of success and eminence.
At Dharamsala, India the seat of Tibetan Government in Exile, TWA hosted a 'Thanksgiving lunch' at the Central staff mess, Gangchen Kyishong in honor of India's indomitable support to the Tibetan cause. We accorded around 26 Indian offices in Kangra Distt and 100 Indian friends with an invitation to this event. The invitees were resolutely linked with the Tibetan people in Dharamsala and they have been instrumental and steadfast in keeping alive the Tibetan struggle. More than 50 Indian guests including journalists, officers and representatives from various offices and societies in Kangra District attended the afternoon's affair. Around 15 Tibetan Journalists from various exile media houses also joined in.
TWA's president Kirti Dolkar Lhamo and Joint Secretary Tenzin Dolma addressed the gathering in Hindi language. The chief guest Kalon Tripa, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche thanked the Indian community of Dharamsala for providing the Tibetans with a safe haven at Dharamsala for the last fifty years. Rinpoche recalled the reminiscence of his early life in Dharamsala. He also applauded the efforts of TWA in thanking India and appreciated the presence of young members at the Central TWA. The special guest of honor Mr. Ajay Singh Mangotia, President of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society said that he is thankful to the Tibetan community in exile for having bestowed India with the benign presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The regional chapters of TWA are also initiating similar events to thank the Indian community for their unflinching support and solidarity.
As India embarks on celebrating the 62nd year as an independent nation, Tibet marks 50 years of darkness under the repressive Chinese regime. In chronicling 50 years of struggle, from the 1st National Women's Uprising Day to the 50th Anniversary, the story of Tibetan women elucidates the consistent efforts, perseverance, and selfless dedication that characterize the integral role that Tibetan women have played in the Tibetan freedom struggle. Tibetan women will stand up, bear witness and fight for our people, for our culture and for our land. The restoration of a peaceful Tibet as envisioned and outlined by His Holiness the Dalai Lama through the Middle Way will have lasting global effects, political and environmental harmony in Asia, particularly in China, India and Tibet. We are confident and can admit with conviction that India will continue to champion the condign cause of Tibet and be a bastion of strength and fervid support for the Tibetan people.