“Cries for Losarpa Tashi Deleg” oddly resonates the community hall of Danaulti village in Ropar District, around 4 am, as the participants of the Freedom March wish each other a happy New Year. But for the activists of the Tibetan Youth Congress, celebration of Losar is a luxury of the distant kind last year too; TYC forfeited the celebration for the greater cause. Nonetheless there is no regretting this by the participants.
As a token celebration, makeshift alter was prepared complete with the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, several offerings and a butter lamp. Prayers were conducted followed by a scarf offering to the His Holiness’s portrait and exchanged New Year greetings with pinchful of Che-mar (ph). Later the participants relish the special servings of tea and rice (dresee). They also called their respective families for Losar greeting, within that short span of half an hour, the Freedom Marcher’s celebration of Tibetan Losar was complete and were ready again for the cause.
The March resumed from Danaulti around 6 am and passed through several small towns including procession, raising slogans, sticking posters and distributing pamphlets. The March was photographed and covered by the local press including Punjab Keseri, Dainik Jagaran and Amar Ujjala. Press briefings too were provided by the leaders of March. After traveling for 23 km, March reached Kurali town around 3 pm where similar programs were conducted. The participants were then put up at Sant Dharamshala. In the evening, patriotic movie titled “Tibet: the Cry of the Snow Lion” was screened.
The film aptly depicts the history of Tibetan Freedom Struggle, subsequent destructions and sufferings inflicted on the innocent Tibetans by the barbaric Chinese. The film envelops the entire hall with a melancholy air. The film reminded participants of the unfinished duty and further firmed up their conviction and commitment for the freedom of Tibet. That night they went to bed with much troubled soul. The March left Kurali at the dawn of 22nd February with rejuvenated spirit. Publicity campaigns were carried out in various towns especially in Kharar.
The March arrived in Mohali, a city 7 km from Chandigarh, under the grand reception accorded by the Tibetan Sweater Seller Association. The Marchers were offered ceremonial scarf, tea, juice and snacks by the Association.
A Shaminar (tent) was set up for night Camp. Later lunch and dinner were also served by the Association. The local media including Punjab Keseri, The Tribune, Amar Ujjala and Skyhawk were briefed about the Freedom March. Following the evening prayer was a special session for expressing vote of thanks for the Tibetans in Mohali to reciprocate the warm gesture and support. Thus concludes the 12th day of the Freedom March.
Contact for more information:
Lobsang Yeshi: 9816098637
Gadong Jigme: 9816083228
Dolma Choephel: 9418079448
