Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) celebrated the 35th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama earlier today at the Thekchen Choeling Monastery in Dharamsala, along with the commemoration of the 76th International Human Rights Day.
On the morning of the aforementioned day, the ceremony drew over a thousand attendees, including leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, parliamentarians, secretaries, senior officials, government and non-governmental organisation representatives and the general public.
The ceremony began with the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) performing with drums, during which the officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari, Minister of the Department of Security, hoisted the Tibetan national flag in the sky accompanied by the national anthems of Tibet and India, which was followed by the singing of the Nobel Peace Prize song by the TIPA artists.
After the TIPA’s performance of the Nobel Peace Prize song, following the ceremonial tea and rice offering. The event featured addresses from distinguished guests.
Addressing the 35th Anniversary celebration of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the 76th International Human Rights Day, Fiji Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma shared heartfelt reflections on his historic visit to Dharamsala, described the moment he arrived in Dharamsala as “walking into heaven.” He expressed profound gratitude to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) for the invitation and emphasised the significance of the visit as a symbol of shared values and aspirations between Fiji and the Tibetan community.
Sharma praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a global icon of peace and non-violence, commending his unwavering advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution, even in the face of adversity. “Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity; it is a call to action,” he remarked, urging individuals, families, and communities to heal divisions and embrace understanding.
He described the visit to Dharamsala as the beginning of a meaningful partnership between Fiji and the Central Tibetan Administration, aimed at fostering shared values, cultural diplomacy, and strategic collaboration. Rinesh Sharma highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations through mutual respect and diversity while reiterating that peace and security remain fundamental to sustainable development.
He extended warm wishes on behalf of the Pacific region to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Central Tibetan Administration, and the people of India for their enduring partnership and support.
Following Helen White, a member of the New Zealand Parliament gave her opening remarks with the traditional Māori greeting. She emphasised the importance of cultural preservation and shared insight from her country’s experience. She expressed admiration for the rich display of Tibetan traditions, specifically mentioning the Snow Lion dance performed during the event. “It was adorable, and I wish the children of New Zealand could see it,” MP Helen White said, expressing hope that such cultural exchanges could bring Tibetan performances to New Zealand in the future.
“It is very, very important that we keep our cultural traditions alive,” Helen remarked, adding that the preservation of Tibetan culture by the Central Tibetan Administration, with support from the Indian government, serves as an inspiring example for other nations.
Concluding her address, Helen White extended gratitude to the Central Tibetan Administration for the invitation and emphasised the deep learning and friendship that this visit had fostered.
After that, a member of the New Zealand Parliament Ingrid Leary highlighted her deep respect for Tibetan culture and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the occasion. She underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage, drawing parallels to the struggles faced in maintaining Māori traditions in New Zealand.
In a poignant gesture, Ingrid sang and dedicated a Māori song of love, hope, and peace to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “We celebrate your culture and understand, through the loss of some of our own, the struggle that you face,” she remarked.
The delegation acknowledged the steadfast support of Tibetan communities in New Zealand, particularly in Wellington and Auckland, for their role in fostering understanding and connections. She emphasised that while oceans may separate nations, shared values of human rights, cultural preservation, and peace unite them.
Joseph Mooney representative from New Zealand Parliament, highlighted the enduring relevance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s message of peace. He emphasised that, although differences of opinion are inevitable, it is through peaceful means that these differences must be resolved. This was the powerful message for which His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and its importance has only grown over time.
He expressed admiration for His Holiness’s advocacy of peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. He praised his tireless efforts to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people, stating that his message resonated globally both when the Nobel Peace Prize was conferred upon him and continues to reverberate today.
He acknowledged the ongoing concern for the human rights of the Tibetan people, noting that New Zealand has long supported the cause and will continue to do so. It was a privilege, he said, to be present in Dharamshala and to learn more about the Tibetan struggle.
The distinguished guests from New Zealand and Fijian parliament include MP Joseph Mooney, a member of the New Zealand Parliament; MP Helen White, a member of the New Zealand Parliament; MP Ingrid Leary, a member of the New Zealand Parliament; and MP Rinesh Sharma, a member of the Fijian Parliament. Each speaker highlighted the global impact of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s contributions to peace and human rights.
Subsequently, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, delivered a parliamentary statement. Following this, officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari presented the Kashang’s statement.
The Speaker then honoured two healthcare service workers who completed 25 years of service with recognition and gifts. Additionally, officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari recognised one service worker from the Central Tibetan Relief Committee of the Home Department for 25 years of service. She also officially launched the Yarkyi 2024 Musical Collection, a product of this year’s summer festival organised by TIPA.
Afterwards, the TIPA performed the song ‘Khawa Chen’ from Dhomey region. The Yongling School presented the song “Potala”. Mcleod Day School performed the song, followed by Gopalpur Tibetan Children’s Village School staged the song. The Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School presented the song and concluded the event successfully.
Cultural performances were a highlight of the event. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts performed the song Khawa Chen from the Dhomey region. Yongling School presented the song Potala, while McLeod Day School performed a traditional song. Gopalpur Tibetan Children’s Village School followed with a lively performance, and Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School concluded the cultural showcase with an engaging musical presentation.
The CTA’s dual commemoration was a reflection on the legacy of the Dalai Lama’s peace efforts and the need for ongoing advocacy for human rights worldwide.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet and his efforts to promote human rights and peaceful coexistence.
The Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize remains a global symbol of recognition for the Tibetan struggle for freedom, human dignity, and self-determination.
