Tibet.net
Dharamshala: Tibetans in exile celebrated the 62nd anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day on Friday, September 2, organized by the Central Tibetan Administration. It was on this day, six decades ago that the inauguration of the Tibetan government-in-exile took place.
On September 2, 1960, a year after thousands of Tibetans were forced to flee their home, the first elected representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile took their oaths in Bodh Gaya to inaugurate the Tibetan democratic system. The day is also known as Mangsto Duchen (‘Mangsto’: democracy; ‘Duchen’: occasion).
The opening of the programme was marked by the hoisting of the Tibetan flag by the officiating Sikyong accompanied by the singing of the Tibetan national anthem and the Indian national anthem by the gathering. Following the ceremonial tradition, TIPA-led the gathering in the singing of the Democracy song.
The Officiating Sikyong delivered Kashag’s statement on the Democracy Day speaking on the evolution of the Kashag and the Judiciary during the democratic process.
She noted,” The Kashag was established by the Seventh Dalai Lama Kelsang Gyatso when he assumed spiritual and political leadership of Tibet in 1751. The Kashag at that time constituted of three lay and one monk ministers, the composition of which has since undergone gradual changes. However, the uninterrupted continuation of Tibetan government’s legitimacy from the first king Nyatri Tsenpo to Gaden Phodrang has been symbolized by the handover of official seal, Katham Sishi Dikyi, by the Seventh Dalai Lama to then Kashag. The tradition of handing over of the seal during the change of Kashag has continued until now.”
Furthermore, she celebrated the recent US Congressional hearing on 23rd June 2022 which was the first of its kind hearing of experts on the historical status of Tibet and applauded Representatives McGovern and McCaul for introducing “the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act on 13 July 2022”. “It not only conforms to the Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle-Way policy, but also helps to give leverage to our efforts to resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict through dialogue. We will continue to make efforts to encourage like-minded countries in Europe to do the same.”
The chief guest MLA Vishal Nehria similarly expressed his appreciation for the flourishing Tibetan community in exile and the role it has played in making Dharamshala an international tourist destination through its rich cultural heritage.
Thereafter, the students of Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen, Upper TCV, and Yongling school gave cultural performances for the gathered audience. TIPA also performed for the cheering audience.
By Team TRC