Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 27: Tibetan political leaders of the exile Tibetan government have marked the traditional Tibetan New Year, or Losar 2152 (Year of the Wood Snake), with calls for unity and resilience while acknowledging ongoing challenges facing Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile.
President Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), delivered a sombre Losar address, calling for subdued celebrations in light of recent earthquake in Dingri that claimed hundreds of lives in Tibet.
“This year’s Losar is not an occasion for extensive celebrations. However, it is important that we continue to observe our traditional customs while being mindful of the circumstances,” Tsering stated.
In his address, Tsering highlighted a “small political victory” achieved last year when both houses of the U.S. Congress passed Tibet-related legislation that was signed into law by the President on July 12. He expressed continued concern about what he described as the “destruction of Tibetan identity, language, religion, and way of life” inside Tibet, as well as environmental degradation in the region.
The head of the Tibetan polity reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict through dialogue, emphasising that “to resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict non-violently, we must engage in dialogue with the Chinese government—there is no other way.”
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, also extended Losar greetings and noted that “many positive developments occurred in the past year.” The Speaker praised Tibetans inside Tibet who “continue to work in unity with dedication, courage, and determination to preserve and promote the Tibetan language, culture, and religion” despite difficult circumstances.
Both leaders acknowledged the significance of 2025 as the year His Holiness the Dalai Lama turns 90 according to the Gregorian calendar, with Speaker Tenphel calling on Tibetans to “unite in harmony to fulfil His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s noble visions.”
After 66 years in exile, President Tsering emphasised that hope remains strong: “Those of us in exile have never lost hope under His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership. Tibetans inside Tibet continue to sacrifice themselves to protect Tibetan identity and fight for freedom. We must continue this effort.”
