Ludhiana, Punjab: In celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day, the Tibetan Traders’ Association of Ludhiana, Punjab, organises a special program as part of the “Ghoton: The Year of Compassion” initiative launched by the Central Tibetan Administration in honour of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. The event took place at the King Palace hall in Ludhiana at Punjab, featuring Indian and Tibetan cultural performances and photo exhibitions related to His Holiness’s activities.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Justice Commissioner Dawa Phunkyi, Justice Commissioner Phagpa Tsering, former Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Member of Tibetan Parliament Karma Gelek, Department of Finance Secretary Tsering Dhondup, Delhi Representative Jigme Jungney, and Director of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts Dhondup Tsering are present at the event.
Other distinguished guests also included National General Secretary of Bharat Tibat Sahyog Manch (BTSM) Pankaj Goyal, Secretary of Bharat Tibbat Sangh Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, Secretary of Bharat Tibet Samvad Manch Khrishan Bhardwaj, President of Indo-Tibet Friendship Society Manoj Kumar, President of Lala Tibetan Hosiery Association Naveen Sood, President of Indo Tibetan Hosiery Association D.C. Kapoor, President of Delhi Jafrabad Business Association Ashrif, former members of the Central Committee of the Tibetan Traders Association and representatives from approximately 234 business associations across India.
Prior to the main event, around 2 p.m., Sikyong Penpa Tsering, accompanied by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, visited and inspected the construction site of the new office for the Tibetan Traders’ Association in Ludhiana.
The main program commenced at 3 p.m. with the singing of both the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a minute of silence in honour of Tibetan martyrs.
The event featured cultural performances by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and various singers from the exile community. As a gesture of respect, the Tibetan Traders’ Association in Exile presented ceremonial scarves to the officials of the Central Tibetan Administration and representatives of the Lala community.
During the occasion, Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivered a speech expressing his heartfelt gratitude. He emphasised that the Central Tibetan Administration’s decision to designate this year as the “Year of Compassion” should not remain confined to Tibetan society, but instead serve as a means to promote His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and initiatives more widely. He also extended his appreciation to the Tibetan Traders’ Association in Exile for organising the event, which honourably marked both His Holiness’s birthday and the 79th Anniversary of India’s Independence.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering reflected on the historical significance of the day, noting that while India celebrates 79 years of independence, Tibet lost its own freedom just three years after India achieved independence, resulting in the Tibetan people becoming refugees in exile. He expressed deep gratitude to both the Central and State Governments of India for their continued and unwavering support to the Tibetan community over the decades. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of India’s pursuit of self-reliance (Make in India), encouraging the use of indigenous technology and locally sourced materials in place of imports wherever feasible.
Furthermore, he spoke about observing this year as the Year of Compassion in honour of His Holiness’s birthday, emphasising the importance of spreading His Holiness’s vision on a global scale. During his speech, he also highlighted His Holiness’s four main commitments.
Finally, Sikyong highlighted the deep historical and natural bonds between Tibet and India, including their enduring religious connections. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the considerable support Tibetan small traders have received from Indian business leaders (Lala), which has greatly improved their livelihoods. He also expressed hope that these valuable relationships will continue to flourish in the future.
Subsequently, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dolma Tsering, delivered a speech emphasising that celebrating His Holiness’s birthday in Tibetan society is not simply a birthday celebration but a vital occasion to preserve Tibetan identity and fulfil His Holiness’s aspirations. She recounted the difficult circumstances when His Holiness first arrived in India as a refugee in 1959, amidst severe suffering under Chinese oppression, the loss of their homeland, and the harsh refugee conditions. Despite these challenges, under the genuine leadership of His Holiness with the cooperation and support of the Indian government and people, the Central Tibetan Administration, educational settlements, and monasteries were gradually established. These efforts have successfully preserved the Tibetan language, culture, and ethnic identity to this day. On this occasion, she expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government and people for their continued support.
She also highlighted His Holiness’s recent public announcement affirming the continuation of the Dalai Lama lineage, which has inspired hope not only among Tibetans and his followers but across the world. Noting that this year the Central Tibetan Administration is observing the Year of Compassion in honour of His Holiness’s birthday, she urged everyone to actively promote His Holiness’s compassionate activities globally.
At the conclusion of the event, Sonam Dhonden, Vice President of the Tibetan Traders’ Association in Exile, delivered a formal vote of thanks, bringing the program to a successful close.
