Dharamshala: A strong sense of solidarity and collective remembrance was evident in Dharamshala this morning as Tibetans from all sections of the community gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard for a special prayer service marking the 49th day since the passing of Tibetan self-immolator Lobga Rangzen. Jointly organised by the 17th Kashag and the 18th Tibetan Parliament in Exile of the Central Tibetan Administration, the service was held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and honoured Lobga Rangzen’s martyrdom for the cause of Tibet, while also paying tribute to the memory of Tibetan patriots who have lost their lives both inside and outside Tibet.
Monks, students and schoolchildren, CTA officials, NGOs and local Tibetans gathered in large numbers, making the morning’s commemoration a significant public expression of solidarity with those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. Prayers and solidarity were also extended to the bereaved families.
The prayer service was led by the abbot of Namgyal Monastery and monks. Those notables in attendance included Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the Deputy Speaker, other Justice Commissioners, heads of the CTA’s three autonomous bodies, Kalons of the 17th Kashag, and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering spoke briefly to local media ahead of the prayer service, noting that the 49th day following a person’s passing is considered an important day in Tibetan Buddhism. Over the past seven weeks, Tibetans around the world have undertaken various forms of activism to draw international attention to the issue. In recognition of this, the 17th Kashag and the 18th Tibetan Parliament in Exile organised today’s memorial prayer service to honour Lobga Rangzen and all other Tibetans who have self-immolated for the Tibetan cause.
Sikyong stressed that these individuals did not seek to harm others or promote violence, but made the ultimate sacrifice in the hope of drawing greater attention to the Tibetan cause. He said that today’s service was an expression of remembrance, solidarity and support for those who had given their lives.
Sikyong further expressed concern that the Chinese government continues to pursue policies aimed at eroding and ultimately destroying Tibetan identity, despite presenting them under the guise of “ethnic unity and progress.” He said that China is seeking to extend its influence across the world through initiatives such as the Global Governance System, Global Security Initiative, and Global Cultural Initiative, presenting these as mechanisms to shape the international order. He cautioned that if China’s growing influence and control continue to expand globally, the free world may gradually become accustomed to accepting its influence, raising serious questions about the future of freedom and democratic values. He urged the world to recognise that these developments are not only about Tibet, but also have implications for other peoples and regions, including East Turkestan and Southern Mongolia.
During the prayer service, Sikyong Penpa Tsering shared a brief account of Lobga Rangzen’s life and his lifelong commitment to and activism for the Tibetan cause. He also read out Lobga’s final message, delivered before his self-immolation, in which he called on Tibetans to remain united and continue their efforts for Tibet’s freedom.
As the prayer service concluded, Sikyong Penpa Tsering broke the chain of the hunger strike organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress for over a month opposite the entrance to Tsuglagkhang, before leading the march towards Police Ground, Dharamshala.
Alongside the Tibetan leadership and representatives of Tibetan civil society organisations, Shri Ajit Nehria, President of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association; Shri Shamsher Singh Nehria, Mayor of Dharamshala Municipal Corporation; and other friends and supporters of Tibet joined the peaceful march.
Holding placards, raising slogans, and waving vibrant Tibetan national flags, the participants marched through the major areas of Dharamshala before reaching Police Ground, Dharamshala, where another event was held. During the event, the statements of the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile were read by Sikyong and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, respectively.
A message in support of Tibetans from former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shanta Kumar, was also delivered to the gathering by Additional Secretary Tenzin Norbu.
The event also featured an address by Tashi Dhargyal, Vice President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, followed by the rendition of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems.
