Dharamshala: Earlier this morning, the Central Tibetan Administration-led Tibetan people, joined by international delegations from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Chile, the Czech Republic, France, and Italy, commemorated the 36th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, awarded on this day in 1989.
The distinguished guests from overseas included Senator Jitka Seitlová (Vice President of the Czech Senate), Senator Jiří Růžička, Senator Přemysl Rabas, and Senator Břetislav Rychlík, as well as Matyáš Nataniel Barotek (Advisor to the Vice-President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic), Jiří Krbec (Director of the International Relations Department of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic), and interpreter Zdeněk Hofman. The Czech delegation also included Deputy Pavel Žáček; Deputy Head of Mission Kateřina Petersen (Czech Embassy, New Delhi); Kateřina Bursíková Jacques (Member of the Czech Tibet Support Group); actress Eva Holubová (Member of the Czech Tibet Support Group); Martin Hála (Sinologist, Director, and member of Sinopsis); Kateřina Procházková (Analyst, media coordinator, and member of Sinopsis); David Gardas (Sinologist, analyst, and member of Sinopsis); cameraman Jiří Kubík; film editor and sound engineer Jiří Strnad; and Jana Vaclavíková (Journalist at the public Czech Radio news service). They were accompanied by Representative Thinley Chukki.
The Australian delegation consisted of Senator Barbara Pocock, MP Kate Chaney, and MP Sarah Jane Witty, along with their spouses. From New Zealand, MP Greg Fleming and MP Duncan Alexander Webb attended the event, while Fiji was represented by MP Virendra Lal. The delegations from the Pacific Islands were accompanied by Representative Karma Singey and Dr. Zoë Bedford from the Australia Tibet Council, and were joined by a team from ABC News.
Accompanied by Representative Jigme Tsering, the delegation from Chile included Senator-elect and Deputy Vlado Mirosevic; Deputy Ana María Gazmuri; Deputy Tomás René Hirsch; Deputy Luis Malla; and members of the Chilean Friends of Tibet: Bárbara Salinas, Catalina Salinas, and Fernando Salinas.
From Latin Europe, French MP Samantha Cazebonne, along with long-time Tibet supporter and activist Guenther Cologna and his wife Lucy Battu from Italy, also attended the commemoration.
Upon the arrival of the distinguished guests, the commemoration began with the rendition of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a song dedicated to the occasion. Sikyong Penpa Tsering then delivered the Kashag’s statement before the gathering.
Representatives of each delegation took the floor to deliver their remarks, expressing admiration for His Holiness’ lifelong devotion to Tibetan peoples welfare, his profound message of compassion, and his enduring commitment to global peace.
MP Virendra Lal reflected on His Holiness’ lifelong resilience and moral leadership, noting, “From a young age, His Holiness carried responsibilities far beyond ordinary childhood, and his life of resilience and commitment to peace continues to inspire the world… Today, on his 90th birthday and the 36th anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize, we honour not only the years he has lived but the way he has lived them—with moral clarity, inner strength, and boundless compassion… We offer our deepest respect, gratitude, and prayers for his continued guidance.”
MP Greg Fleming highlighted the importance of culture, language, and identity for all indigenous peoples, drawing a parallel with the Māori experience. He shared, “Over these days with you, my heart has turned to the importance of your language, your culture, and your identity, which must always endure… The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Your light will continue to shine. Hold fast to your language, your culture, and your faith, and may the people and the land of Tibet flourish forever.”
MP Samantha Cazebonne emphasised the universal value of His Holiness’s teachings, remarking, “Meeting His Holiness this morning reaffirmed his reminder that peace is built on empathy, dialogue, and respect for human dignity… I reaffirm my support for the peaceful aspirations of the Tibetan people, whose culture, resilience, and spiritual strength enrich humanity.”
Deputy Vlado Mirosevic reiterated Chile’s solidarity with the Tibetan people and expressed grave concern over rights violations in Tibet. He stated, “We reject China’s illegitimate claims over the recognition of the next Dalai Lama… We denounce China’s occupation of Tibet and its severe human rights abuses, including the destruction of monasteries, forced displacement, restrictions on freedoms, and the forced assimilation of nearly one million Tibetan children… We urge the international community to act to protect Tibetan culture and identity.”
Senator Barbara Pocock expressed Australia’s strong support and solidarity, saying, “It is a great honour to stand here with the Tibetan community on this special celebration of His Holiness’s 90th birthday… Today, we call for an end to the colonial boarding school system in Tibet and the cultural genocide inflicted on Tibetan children. To every brave Tibetan in Tibet who may see us—we see you, and we stand with you.”
Senator Jitka Seitlová reflected on the deep friendship between Tibet and the Czech Republic, rooted in shared historical experiences. She expressed, “We were met with warm smiles, beautiful people, and great weather… We spoke of His Holiness’s close friend, our first president, Václav Havel, who helped forge the bond between our nations… Like the speakers before me, I want to say that we stand firmly with your efforts for the freedom of your religion, your culture, and your national identity. And I believe almost everyone in our country knows and admires your Dalai Lama.”
Thereafter, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivered the statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
The programme also featured the launch of Kunchok Tsering’s new book, alongside a pictorial volume produced by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to introduce children to the evolution of Tibetan democracy. Six staff members, each with over 25 years of service, were honoured with recognition awards. The celebration drew to a close with vibrant cultural performances by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and students from Tibetan schools.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Tsering Dhondup, Vice Chair of the Central Ghoton Organising Committee and Secretary of the Department of Finance, CTA.
The CTA leadership—including Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Tibetan Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra (Department of Education), Kalon Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, Auditor General Tashi Topgyal, members of the Tibetan Parliament Standing Committee, secretaries of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and CTA, and representatives of Tibetan NGOs—attended the event.
