Sep 08, 2005

Tibet: Democracy Day Celebrated In New York


Coinciding Chinas celebration of the 40th anniversary of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region, the Tibetans in exile on September 2nd celebrated the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Tibetan Democracy in high spirit and optimism
Coinciding China’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of the so-called “ Tibet Autonomous Region”, the Tibetans in exile on September 2nd celebrated the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Tibetan Democracy in high spirit and optimism.

In New York, the Tibetan communities from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut celebrated the Tibetan Democracy Day on September 3rd (Saturday) at Armenian Church with the initiative of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey. About 600 Tibetans assembled to observe the day with speeches and Tibetan cultural performances. The morning program began with offering of the mandala to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the North American Chithue Mr.Tenzin Choeden and the RTYC President Mr Gyatso. This was followed by the speeches by the Chief guest Mr.Tenzin Choeden, Mr. Gyatso, and our special guest Mr.Bai Quiao Tang, the Director of the Chinese Citizen Forum in New York. Mr.Gyatso made an introductory note on the significance of the occasion and urged the Tibetans to shoulder more responsibilities in order to upgrade the system of Democracy in exile. Mr Choeden also highlighted on the importance of the democratic system which the Tibetans in Tibet are deprived of, and further urged the people to avail the opportunity of right to Vote in the forthcoming elections. He further suggested that it is high time that fresh qualified candidates should not hesitate to seek nominations in the forthcoming Chithue elections. He also requested Tibetans to be aware and keep update of the developments on Tibetan issues all the time. Mr.Tang also expressed his appreciation of the democratic system prevailing around the world. He pointed out that Chinese government has actually misled the world by stating that Tibet is a part of China. He also expressed his doubt that Tibetan issue will be resolved that soon unless and until China becomes a democratic nation. The Representative of H.H the Dalai Lama, however, was not present as he was away to India.

In the afternoon, Mr.Choeden had about one n half hour question/answer session with the audience on number of subjects ranging from the Tibetan political situation to the matters pertaining to Tibetan Green Book. This was then followed by the Tibetan songs and dance items from Cholsum troupe, and other individual and group performances. The afternoon program also included the presentation of the trophies and certificates to the winners and runners up of the recently held ‘the Pawo Thupten Ngodup Memorial Basketball Tournament. The audience witnessed for the first time the women teams receiving the Basketball Tournament Trophies, a matter of great pride and a big boost for future women participation in the tournament. Tibetan Women Association also drew the raffles and announced the three winning numbers. The day’s program concluded with word of thanks by Mr.Tenzin Kalden, the Vice President of RTYC of NY and NJ.

In the evening, the people as usual got together to perform ‘Gor-zshe’ (Hand in hand Tibetan folk dance) which was followed by the evening Fund raising dance party.

Source: Times of Tibet