Mumbai, April 11 – The first day of a three day series of prayer meetings, candlelight vigils and marches began yesterday in Mumbai. The program organized by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee with the four NGO’s will go on from the 10th to 12th April.
Two thousand Tibetans including a thousand monks along with Indian supporters, friends and human rights NGO’s started a peace procession in the morning from Azad Maidan to Girguam Chowpaty.
This is the first time that such a huge gathering of monks and lay people have held a peace procession in the heart of Mumbai city. Walking for more than two hours the peace procession carried pictures and images of the recent killings and tortures in Tibet and chanted prayers for their soul to rest in peace.
The peace procession concluded with a brief speech by Mrs. Gyari Dolma (Dy. Speaker of Tibetan Government in Exile) about the aim and objective of the procession and facts of the happenings inside Tibet. Mr. C.A.Kallianpur (National Co-coordinator, Friends of Tibet) in his speech stated that the Tibetan people have to keep their spirits high. He said, “We all are with you”.
There was mourning and prayers for the deceased. The gathering sang the Tibetan National anthem in the end.
A Candlelight Vigil for Human Rights-‘Tibet Needs You’ was held at Azad Maidan in the evening. Mr. Kelly Dorjee was the Chief Guest.
Talking on the importance and objective of holding the Candlelight vigil Ms. Gyari Dolma urged the media and the world community to support Human Rights in Tibet.
The Chief Guest in his speech said that he is overwhelmed by the courage and hard work of the Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet. He said he is grateful to be a part of this event and extended his full support towards the Tibetan Cause.
A minute of silence was observed for the people inside the Tibet who were brutally killed by the Chinese.
The first candle for world peace was lit by Mrs. Danny Denzongpa and Mr. Kelly Dorjee followed by a few notable guests and participants. All the dignitaries then took part in the candlelight vigil and marched for over half a mile to show their solidarity and support towards Human Rights in Tibet.
The second day program started in the morning at Azad Maidan with the participation of more than a thousand monks and nuns and thousands of lay people.
Tibetan Buddhist monks and lay people performed Traditional Buddhist Prayers for the martyrs killed in the Tibetan struggle in Tibet. They were joined by Indian Buddhists including followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The Prayers for world peace concluded in the afternoon with talks by Tibet supporters.
There will be an Inter religious prayer for world peace in the evening. RSS Chief Shri Sudharshanji will grace the prayers with his presence.
