The March 10 Peace Walk for Tibet’s Independence, co-organized by the Indiana University chapter of Students for a Free Tibet (I.U.S.F.T.)and the International Tibet Independence Movement(I.T.I.M.) drew a group of marchers, including visiting Mongolians, Tibetan Monks, local Tibetans, members of I.U.S.F.T., and I.T.I.M.
“This show of support was uplifting, and continued as we walked across the Indiana University campus and onto the downtown streets. Onlookers honked horns and heeded, and approached us to receive literature about the Tibet struggle, even joining us as we progressed toward the Monroe County courthouse. We achieved our goal of educating and informing the public about the decades-long suffering of the Tibetan people under the occupation by Communist China”, says one of the members of the I.U.S.F.T.
After circling the Monroe County Courthouse three times in the traditional Kora manner, Thubten Anyetsang delivered a heartfelt speech before reading His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s annual March 10 statement. The Tibetan National Anthem, banned in Tibet, was sung with pride and determination, with Tibetan flags flying high.
Finally, prayers were led by Akhu Namkha, as the marchers dedicated their merit for the benefit of all beings worldwide. The local media, both newspaper and radio, stayed through the entire walk.
“We are very grateful for the coverage which will help us continue our constant quest to keep the Tibet issue alive, through education and outreach, in hopes to gain enough support to one day return Tibet to it’s rightful owners, the Tibetans”, says Mary-Kate Oreovicz, President, IUSFT.
