Tibetans in Dharamsala today observed the 44th commemoration of the Tibetan national uprising day. Hundreds of Tibetans gathered at the ground in front of the main Buddhist Cathedral (Tsuk Lhakhang) for the first time without the huge banners and ubiquitous placards which had been part of the rallies for the last 43 years.
In his statement, His Holiness the Dalai Lama lauded the Chinese leadership for the smooth transition of power from old hands onto the new generation leaders. He also acknowledged the positive developments that have taken place in the past year both in the diplomatic front and human rights aspect. Referring to the special envoy’s visit in September last year after almost twenty year of diplomatic impasse and the release of a number of high profiled Tibetan prisoners respectively. The visit by special envoys in September last year is hoped to lead to more visit and eventually help in resolving the Tibetan issue.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also expressed his sadness at the harsh crackdown on the ‘Tibetans who have demonstrated allegiance and concern for their own people’. He expressed hope ‘that the Chinese leadership will find the courage,vision, and wisdom for new openings to solve the Tibetan issue through dialogue’. Understanding the reality of today’s world that is becoming smaller and highly interdependent, he remained committed to his middle way approach as the most mutually beneficial step for both Tibet and China. Since this approach seeks genuine autonomy for the whole of Tibet and not independence.
Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche also spoke on the occasion. In his statement he reiterated his government’s commitment to resolving the Tibetan issue peacefully through dialogue. He re-asserted the three principles of his policies. ‘I stated clearly that the principles of truth, non violence and genuine democracy are sacrosanct to the present Tibetan Administration, whatever course we take, we will never betray these guiding principles’, he added.
Kalon Tripa apprised the people of the developments that had occurred in the past year and pledged once again ‘not to relinquish the basic middle way approach’. He appealed to all the Tibetans to learn from the past history and work together in unity for the common goal.
The short official function was followed by a procession. The long line of people snaked down the hill towards the Main Indian town. This time the loud protest and demands for independence was replaced by the resonance of prayers for the well being of all sentient beings.
