A massive gathering of nearly a thousand Tibetans participated in a powerful anti-China protest demonstration in Bangalore city to commemorate the 48th Tibetan National Uprising day. The Tibetans who are from Bangalore, Mysore, Bylakuppe, Kollegal and Hunsur Tibetan Settlements converge the city in a massive demonstration on the National Day. The demonstration also include nearly 150 monks from Sera Monastery and Tashi Lhunpo Monasteries of Bylakuppe who were on a Peace March from Mysore to Bangalore city. The demonstration was primarily organized jointly by the Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of Bylakuppe, Kollegal and Hunsur, Mysore and Bangalore and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association of Bylakuppe and Hunsur.
Earlier on, around 10 am, the participants of a motley crew of old housewives and teen girls, college students and Grandpas, monks and young boys, all gathered at the Chiklal Bagh for a procession demonstration to be culminating at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue Park. After a proper filing and instructions to the participants, the march proceeded ahead raising slogans and pamphleteering; cruising the major streets of the city. Over several thousand leaflets and pamphlets in English and Kannada language were distributed and curious and interested locals were briefed and explained about the day and the Tibetan issue. All through the march, slogans were raised and introductions on Tibetan issue and its relevance vis a vis India were vociferously addressed through public address system in English and Kannada language.
The huge serpentine rally of the Tibetan demonstrators accompanied by the Indian security personals dogged the city drawing major attention and halt and most significantly leaving a major mark and questions on the conscience of the freedom loving Indian brothers. After several hours of procession and demonstration, the rally reached the Cubbon Park were a ceremony to mark the occasion was held in the presence of the chief Guest Shri Narendra Babu, MLA, member of Karnataka Legislatives Assembly. Shri Swami Ram Ji, Mr Lobsang Yeshi, Vice President, Tibetan Youth Congress, Dr Dorjee Rabten, CMO Tibetan Medical and Astro Hospital, Bangalore city, Ven Phurbu Samdup, Representative of the Monks Peace March and the Executive members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association of Bylakuppe, Hunsur, Kollegal, Mysore and Bangalore were also present on the dais. Mr Janyal Lhakyab Tsering, President RTYC Bylakuppe conducted the ceremony as the master.
After the presentation of a Memento to the chief guest, the ceremony began with a singing of the Tibetan and Indian National anthem, remembering the past and present martyrs of Tibet through silence and reciting the Universal truth prayer. Later Mr Lobsang Yeshi, The Vice President of Tibetan Youth Congress delivered a brief introductory speech. In his speech, Mr Yeshi stressed on the importance of the Day as an importance means of rekindling the patriotism within each Tibetans and a day of reckoning of ones pledge and commitment towards ones nation and the people. He also spoke on the importance of enhancing our awareness and knowledge of our history, struggle and the global change and scenerios for a better and clearer individual outlook and approach on relevant issues especially our ongoing freedom struggle. He further emphasized, “ let there be no mistake and misconception about any improvement in our freedom struggle vis a vis China’s policy and approach towards us, Fact still remains that we do not trust them and so far they have done nothing to deserve our trust. Situation is only deteriorating to the brink in Tibet”
Ms Thinlay Chokey made further introduction of the day in Kannada language. Later In his eloquent and pleasant speech, the Chief Guest, Shri Narendra Babu recalled his long association with the Tibetan Community and the people and his knowledge of Tibetans being a sincere, loving and hard working and wonderful human beings. He also spoke about his continual involvement and appreciation of the Tibetan people and pledges his future commitments too. He further spoke on the importance of continuing the Tibetan freedom struggle and express his faith and hope that Tibet will be free from the Chinese occupation soon enough. Vociferous singing of the National Uprising song followed this. Mr Lhakpa Tsering, President RTYC Bangalore spoke addressed the gathering on behalf of the organizers. He stressed on the need for a broad-minded approach during freedom struggle and said that sincerity is the key for any activist. Later Ven Phurbu Samdup spoke briefly on the peace march and the developments therein. He also thanked the RTYCs and RTWAs of Southern India for extending their all-out support in making the Monk’s peace march a success. He further spoke on the continual participation in Tibetan freedom struggle in the near future. The ceremony came to a close by raising slogans and a vote of thanks by Mr Nyima Dorjee, President, RTYC Hunsur.
Earlier on 9th March, a Candle Light Vigil was held at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue Park participated by the monks and the Tibetan students from the Youth Hostel.
Later after a screening of a patriotic movie, an informal Penal cum Discussion Meeting was organized at the Tibetan Youth Hostel by the RTYC Bangalore to mark the conclusion of the national day. The penalist for the discussion include honorable Tibetan Parliament member Mr Gyari Bhutuk, Mr Lobsang Yeshi, Vice President, Tibetan Youth Congress, Dr Dorjee Rabten, CMO Tibetan Hospital, Mr Janyal Tsering, President, RTYC Bylakuppe and Mr Tsering Dorjee, President, RTYC Kollegal.
