The Proclamation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 is not merely a declaration. It represents the collective wisdom of the World community to work together towards a World without injustice, indignity and ignorance; a World without cruelty, torture and hunger. ‘Human Rights’ as we all know, are universal, indivisible, interdependent and inherent to human beings. Human dignity is spine of Human Rights. To observe the 59th World Human Rights Day, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), kick started the Tibet Independence March at 11:00 am from Bengaluru City (Karnataka State) on 10th December, 2007.
The Chief Guest for the Inaugural Function, Shri T. Malesh, President of Bangalore City Congress addressed the gathering by supporting the demands of the Marchers and assured his strong Commitment to the Tibetan cause. TYC President Mr. Tsewang Rigzin outlined the aims and objective of the “Tibet Independence March” to the huge crowd. He stated “The unwavering patriotism and perseverance of our brethrens inside Tibet find the boldest expression through this march as we send a strong and clear message to China that no matter what policies they implement – China will never succeed in winning the hearts of the Tibetans inside Tibet ”.
Leaders of TYC did sense the China appeasement policy of the respective State and Central Government of India by not permitting the Tibetans to assemble at Gandhi Statue as the Venue to organize the Inaugural function and press conference. The Central District Deputy Commissioner of Police (Bangalore City) strictly ordered the Tibetan Peace Marchers not to carry Tibetan National Flags and Banners within Bangalore City premises. The last minute change in venue from Gandhi Statue to Chik Lal Bagh did cause logistic problems for the leaders, participants, guests and the media personnel from reaching the Press Conference on time. Despite all these unfortunate developments, many Indian and foreign media attended the inaugural function and gave wide coverage on Tibet Independence March.
146 participants from 9 different regions, namely Bylakuppee, Hunsur, Mundgod, Bhandara, Mainpat, Dharamshala, Delhi, Darjeeling and Bangalore took part in the March. Mrs. Ama Yeshi Chonzom lak, aged 73 from Samyeling, MT (Delhi) said “I dedicate the Last Walk of my life for Tibet’s Independence and happiness of six million Tibetans”. Majority of the participants are from Sera Monastery (Bylakuppe) and Gaden Monastery (Mundgod) which are based in south India . Ven Lobsang Dawa from Sera Monastery, aged 16 years is the youngest among all the participants.
An Indian Tibet supporter, Shri Prem Koshi hosted lunch for all the participants, which was followed by Shri.P.G.R Sindhia (Former Minister of Homes for State) who addressed the marchers by promising to stand by Tibetan Independence and expressed his beliefs that Tibet will be liberated very soon. He flagged off the march after boosting the spirits of the marchers.
The Tibetan Students from Garden City College of Nursing showed their solidarity and support by offering Mineral waters and juice to the Tibetan brothers and sisters. After covering the distance of 23 kms, the Marchers were received by the Dalit Community of R.K.Puram and organized a function to address the local Indian public and media on the plight of Tibet and the purpose behind the March. The March begins and ends everyday with the long life Prayers for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama by the participants.
Demands of the Tibet Independence March:
- Independence for Tibet
- Withdrawal of Order no. 5, China’s new regulatory measures for reincarnations of Living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Immediately STOP all forms of Human Rights Violations inside Tibet.
- No Olympics in China until Tibet is Free.
- Release of all Tibetan Political Prisoners including Gedun Choekyi Nyima (Panchen Lama), Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, and Ronggye A’drak
For further information: Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee (Info Sec): 990-258-8739/ Mr. Penpa Tsering (Int’l Relat’n Sec: 981-610-3279/ Lhakpa Tseing (Cul Sec): 990-130-1594
