The we are of the 1st March saw the Freedom March leaving Khanpur, bound for Kurukshetra-the historic and epic Indian city. The March traveled 18 km, crossing a small town known as Pipli, where slogan campaigns were carried out with usual gusto by the young and the old Marchers. From Kurukshetra the March deviated further 5 km ahead to enter Kurukshetra University.
Hundreds of students and staff of the University received the Marchers at the main gate of the University, displaying banners and placards in support of Tibetan Freedom Movement. The reception group was spearheaded by the leaders of Indian National Student Organisation (INSO-a student wing of Lokdal) and Kurukshetra University Student Association (KUSA) including Shri. Shamsher Singh Nain, Shri. Krishan Shokan, Shri. Sushil Kumar, Shri. Kulwant More and Shri. Balbir Pehalwan etc. Local media personals and photographers also accompanied the gathering to cover the event. With full force of the University students and the Marchers, the ‘Freedom March’ with boosted morale carried out vigorous procession and slogan raising campaign inside the University Campus. Similarly, posters and leaflets were also distributed in every nook and cranny.
Later, the participants joined the students and relished on a sumptuous lunch comprising of a Rajma-chawal combination. Around 2 pm, a public gathering function was held at University student home, attended by over 500 students. The gathering was addressed by Mr. Lobsang Yeshi and Ms. Dolma Choephel of TYC, highlighting the Tibetan issue and its implications on the security and the national interest of India. The student leaders including Shri. Shamsher Singh Nain, Shri. Sushil Kumar and Shri. Krishan Shokan also addressed the gathering. The 3 hour-long function concluded with the serving of a light refreshment.
Meanwhile, in the evening the Vice Chancellor of the University hosted a special tea party for the Marchers-extending his moral support for the Tibetan cause. This was followed by a dinner for all the Marchers at the University hostel. The Freedom March was the Guest of Honour of the University for the day and succeeded in enthralling the entire campus with its sacred mission.
On 2nd March, the March left Kurukshetra around 6.30 am. The breakfast for the Marchers was hosted by Swami Puroshotma Anand Saraswati of Ma-Batra Kali Mandir at Anandpur village. He had earlier accorded similar reception to the Peace March organized by SFT in year 2000. Swami Ji is the director of the All India Ayurvedic, Yoga and Tantric Research Institution, which has a wide following in Hong Kong and the United State. He is popularly acknowledged in holistic treatment.
The Freedom March Camped in a Dharamshala in Nilokhera town for the night. The evening session included a talk by former political prisoners namely Ani Ngawang Yangchen, Ani Tenzin Wangmo and Ani Ngawang Tendol. They narrated the gruesome tales of sufferings and tortures they endured in Chinese prisons in Tibet and the impact left on their mind and body. They conveyed the undying spirit and unflinching commitment of the brave Tibetans left behind in Tibet in challenging the brutal aggression of Chinese with steadfast resolve and composure. Their unwavering pledge of incessant service for the Tibetan cause left many feeling guilty and awkward.
On the evening of 3rd March, the March reached the outskirts of Karnal town in Haryana state, completing over 500 km after the 22nd day of the Freedom March, ripping apart all wild speculations.
TYC Centrex
For more information contact: Lobsang Yeshi: 9816098637
Gadong Jigme: 9816083228
Dolma Choephel: 9418079448
