Tibetans in Ontario, Canada, host a grand commemorative celebration on Nobel Peace Prize Day
On Saturday, December 9th, Tibetans in Ontario had many reasons to celebrate as they gathered in Toronto to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s 1989 Nobel Peace Prize award. The Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario (CTAO) also hosted this occasion to commemorate the bestowal of honorary Canadian Citizenship and the US Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness. The grand event was hosted at the same location where the Kalachakra was held in the year 2004. Over 2000 people, primarily Tibetans of all ages, leaders of local organizations and other friends of Tibet attended the event. Some of the important guests were, Honourable Tashi Wangdi (North American representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, NY), Honourable Tenzing Chonden (North America Chitue (MP Government in exile), Honorable Jason Kenney (Parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada), Senator Consiglio DiNino, and Honourable Peggy Nash (MP), Honourable David Sweet (MP), Honourable Cheri Dinovo (MPP), Councillar Gord Perks and Professor Brian Given (long time supporter of Tibet)
The highlight of the event was the special CTAO excellence awards presented to the dignitaries for their consistent support towards the Tibetan cause and also the cultural performances. There were performance from the students of Tibetan Parents Association of Toroto, Tibetan Cultural Preservation in Canada, and songs by Phayul Bhu, Lobsang Tseten, Penpa Tsering, Tenzin Pema, Ex- TIPA members, Ex-TCV members, Hamilton group of musicians and Amalia Rubin. It was quite unusual to see a special section for kids section where children could indulge in many activities to keep them busy through out the day. This was a great relief for the parents as they could partake in the event without worrying about their children.
The gala event also brought forth an opportunity to raise funds for Gangjong Choedenling, one of the sponsored projects of CTAO called The Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre (TTCC). The name Ganjong Choedenling was granted to the CTAO by His Holiness during the Kalachakra in 2004. The mission of TTCC is to primarily conserve and cultivate the growth of Tibetan culture within the Tibetan community in Ontario and also to promote cross-cultural understanding and friendship between the Tibetan community and other cultural groups in Canada through education and awareness projects. This day also marked the official fundraising kick-off campaign. The CTAO raised approximately fifty thousand Canadian dollars in one single day for this project.
Overall, it was a successful event with an overwhelming response from the community members and the event was not only enjoyed by young adults and parents but it brought smiles on the faces of small children as well.
