India Tibet Coordination Office New Delhi convened a day-long National level Seminar on May 31, 2005 at Gorkha Dukha Niwas Sammelan (GDNS) Library, Darjeeling. The topic of the seminar was “Cultural and Religious role of Indigenous Himalayan Peoples.”
The event was a grand success with the congregation of various local communities including the Representative of the Central Tibetan Administration, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Tibetan NGOs attended the function.
The programme began by the Darjeeling Tibetan Welfare Officer presenting Khadaks to all the speakers. Then Dr. G.S. Yonzone, eminent Botanist and environmentalist lit the butter lamp and from which the meeting started.
Mr. Sonam Dorjee, Local convener of the function gave a brief introduction and objectives of the seminar, and also introduced the speakers to the packed audience.
Chief Guest for the occasion Shri. Dawa Norbu, Darjeeling Member of Parliament, sent a written message expressing his regret for not being able to attend (due to eleventh hour summons from New Delhi to attend the meeting) the function and extended his good wishes for the success of the meeting.
Mr. Gelek Namgyal, representing India Tibet Coordination Office, while introducing the subject said that cultural assault on indigenous Himalayan traditions, ritual and legacy has posed danger to the very basic tenets of the Himalayan culture.
Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, National Co-convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause, said that “Himalayan culture, History and religion are facing a three fold attack, namely Semitic, religious and communism”
Dr. G.S. Yonzone, while expressing his views conveyed that general awakening campaign in Himalayan region is required to tell the people of the dangers ahead.
Shri. K.S. Moktan, former IGP of West Bengal, stressed that the Himalayan religions faith and traditions are closely associated with Himalayan environment.
Shri. S.T. Lama, former civil servant of Government of India, dwelt on the preservation of Buddhist traditions and Himalayan culture.
Shri. Tilak Rai, former Joint Director of Information Government of West Bengal, spoke at length on the indigenous customs and traditions of Himalayan people.
Mrs. R.E. Wangdi, Senior lecturer of Loreto College presented a vivid account of the history of Darjeeling and related it with the indigenous nature of the Himalayan people.
Resolution was passed unanimously by all present noting the dangers of dilution of indigenous Himalayan traditions, religion, environment and the immediate need to take steps for the preservation of the above for posterity. It also recognized the role of Tibet as being the fountain of Himalayan Buddhist religion, culture and environment. They all have shown sympathy and solidarity for the cause of Tibet.
Mr. Sonam Lundup, Convener Northeast Region-I, Core Group, gave a vote of confidence thanking the speakers in making the seminar a success.
