By Tendar and Dhondup (TSAM)
Despite much restriction from the local police, today Tibetan students in Madras (TSAM) brought the attention of local people and tourists who were coming to enjoy the Mariana beach by commencing a peace march from Labor statue till Gandhi statue where the marchers displayed massive demonstration and chanting prayers. They walked in solitary for one hour and ended up the protest with Tibetan national anthem in front of Gandhi statue which lies at a very zone of traffic signal.
In the evening, they along with Lakshana Museum of Arts presented an Exhibition and sale of photographs by Indian journalist and photographer Vijay Kranti. It was eventually initiated by Mrs. Aasha Reddy who is known as ‘aunty’ to the local Tibetan students. The photo exhibition was inaugurated by Mrs. Suhasini Mani Ratnam who is a national Award winning Actress, Film Maker, producer and social Activist. “I learnt from my school text book that Tibet was an independent nation and I really can’t forget that” said the actress. Other eminent guests include Mrs. Usha Kris, professional photographer, Mr. Shihan Hussanini, Karate expert and sculptor, Prof. James Sundaraj of Loyola college, prof. R. Sridhar from Madras Christian college, prof. Ramu Manivannan, University of Madras and Mr. Vijay Kranti the Indian journalist and photographer who is a very close friend of H. H. the Dalai Lama and a very staunch friend of Tibet. Mr. Vijay Kranti narrated how he came across with the Tibetan people by telling that he fell in touch with Tibetans by becoming a journalist and he ended up his overwhelming speech by shouting that helping Tibet is helping India but India can’t fight for Tibet, India can only stand beside Tibetans, and Tibetans have to fight for their freedom. Indeed, there were several of news reporters from different news media including Ajtak and at the aend; they interviewed Mr. Nyima Gyaltsen who is the present president of TSAM, and Miss Tenzin Tsering who was in charge of introducing the particular event.
