New York: The Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey (TCNYNJ) organised a commemoration in the afternoon of 6 December to mark the 36th anniversary of the conferment of prestigious Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Community’s Phuntsok Deshi Hall.
Among the distinguished guests were Representative Namgyal Choedup; the Abbot of Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Centre, Chokhor Rinpoche; and the Director of the Danang Foundation, Lama Tsewang. Former civil servants of the Central Tibetan Administration, representatives from local Tibetan civil societies, and local dignitaries were also in attendance.
The ceremony began with the Representative, the Rinpoches, the President of TCNYNJ, and other guests offering traditional scarves and the three sacred representations of Buddha’s body, speech, and mind before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This was followed by a presentation of dedicated song by the Losel Ketsel Ling Tibetan Weekend School students and an introductory remarks from the President of TCNYNJ, Kalsang Tsering.
Special guests Chokhor Rinpoche and Danang Lama Tsewang Rinpoche spoke on the significance of the occasion, emphasising the essential responsibility to uphold His Holiness’ teachings and to put them into practice in one’s daily life.
In his address, chief guest Representative Namgyal Choedup recalled the main reasons behind His Holiness being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He highlighted His Holiness’ unwavering commitment to non-violence and peaceful reconciliation, grounded in tolerance and mutual respect an approach that has greatly strengthened international support for the Tibetan cause. He also expressed his gratitude in English to New York’s local leaders for their support in safeguarding Tibetan religion, culture, and the Tibetan people’s ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
The Representative further noted that, through His Holiness’ guidance, Tibetans in exile have been able to enjoy democratic rights comparable to those of independent nations. He stressed the importance of the forthcoming Sikyong and Parliamentary elections, urging the public to cooperate with local election committees and reminding all eligible Tibetans in North America aged 18 and above to actively participate.
Foreign guests also delivered congratulatory messages, offering their best wishes on the anniversary and expressing admiration for His Holiness’ lifelong efforts to promote love and compassion. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Tibetan people’s just struggle and the preservation of their religion and culture.
As part of the annual tradition, the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, presented certificates of commendation through the Representative to outstanding boy and girl students selected by weekend schools for 2025, as well as to teachers and staff marking their third and fifth years of service. The Treasurer of TCNYNJ provided a brief summary of the Community’s financial status to the audiences.
The programme continued with cultural performances showcasing songs from various regions of Tibet. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the VIc ePresident of the TCNYNJ.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
