Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) observed the 67th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day today at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard, marking over six decades of resilient resistance against the illegal occupation of Tibet by the People’s Republic of China. The solemn occasion honoured the courageous Tibetan martyrs who, on 10 March 1959, gathered in Lhasa to rise in protest against the illegal occupation of Tibet by the People’s Liberation Army, and remembered the many who sacrificed their lives on this day.
The Chief Guests of the 67th anniversary included Prof. Dr Hans-Gert Pöttering, former President of the European Parliament; Senator Jiří Oberfalzer, Vice-President of the Czech Senate; and Honourable MP Michael Brand, German Parliamentary State Secretary. They were joined by a diverse group of special guests, including Brian Joseph, Vice President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Cheng Lei, a prominent Australian journalist, Shri Rinchen Khando Khrimey, National Convenor of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause–India, Alice Parma of Italy, Dr Wiebke Winter of Germany, Juris Vilums of Latvia, and Senator Jiri Dusek.
In addition, heads of the three democratic pillars of the Central Tibetan Administration, parliamentarians, secretaries, CTA’s staff, directors and the representatives of various NGOs, and the Tibetan residents of Dharamshala also attended the official commemoration. Joined by Tibet supporters and many journalists from India, Germany, Australia, Latvia, and the Czech Republic.
The proceedings commenced with the hoisting of the Tibetan National Flag by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, accompanied by the rendition of the Tibetan National Anthem by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). A minute of silence was observed in a poignant tribute to the selfless sacrifices of those who have lost their lives or continue to endure severe oppression under PRC rule.
In a highlight of the event, Sikyong launched a new publication titled “A Chronicle of Tibet’s Foreign Relations and Policy (7th–21st Century).” Published in the Tibetan language by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR).
Following, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivered the official statements of the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, respectively.
The event also featured solidarity addresses from international supporters and legislators. Shri Indresh Kumar, senior RSS leader and founder of the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), expressed his deep hope for dialogue and offered prayers for those who have sacrificed their lives, including those who committed self-immolation.
Further amplifying the message of global support, a unified front of European legislators—including Alice Parma of Italy, Dr Wiebke Winter of Germany, Juris Vilums of Latvia, and Senator Jiri Dusek of the Czech Republic—alongside Shri Rinchen Khando Khrimey, Brian Joseph and Cheng Lei, addressed the gathering. Each representative emphasised the urgent need to protect Tibetan cultural identity, ensured that the voice of the Tibetan people continues to reach the global stage, called upon the international community to hold the Chinese government strictly accountable for its ongoing human rights violations and the systematic erasure of Tibetan heritage, and restoration of fundamental rights within Tibet.
Addressing the commemoration of the 67th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala, chief guest Prof. Dr Han-Gert-Pöttering expressed solidarity with the Tibetan people and highlighted the importance of defending freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
Reflecting on the resilience of Tibetans, he said the anniversary also symbolises the Tibetan people’s unwavering commitment to preserving their unique identity and culture. Observing the Tibetan community gathered, he said their spirit and commitment to peace serve as encouragement for the international community to support and defend Tibetan culture and identity.
He further stated that the Tibetan people remind the world of core human values such as dignity, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. However, he warned that these values have long been under threat in Tibet and are increasingly challenged across the world today. Condemning what he described as “demographic aggression and cultural genocide” in Tibet, he stressed the responsibility of the international community to stand firmly in defence of shared democratic values and human rights.
Dr Han-Gert-Pöttering concluded, “I am confident that freedom and peace will come for the Tibetan people and all of us. The 67th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day is an encouragement to all people in the world, regardless of where they live. Our hearts and good wishes is always with the Tibetan people and with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama”.
In his address to the gathering, the chief guest Senator Jiří Oberfalzer, Vice-President of the Czech Senate, stated that Tibet has never historically been a part of China. He noted that Tibet formally proclaimed its independence in 1913 and remained a free nation until the forceful occupation by the Chinese army in 1949. The Senator emphasised that despite the annexation in the 1950s, Tibet cannot be regarded as a legitimate part of China under international law, asserting that territory acquired through military aggression can never be recognised as lawful.
In his key point, he stressed the importance of commemorating the uprising not only for present and future generations of Tibetans but also for other nations living under oppression. He further noted that despite Tibetans’ willingness to pursue the Middle Way Approach, which seeks genuine autonomy within China, Beijing continues to reject such proposals.
Following the chief guest, Michael Brand addressed the gathering. He emphasised that over the past decades, the global community has come to recognise the profound influence of the Tibetan nation, particularly its message of peace, compassion, and justice. According to him, the Tibetan struggle has conveyed a powerful message to the world that every nation, culture, and religion has the fundamental right to live and flourish in dignity.
Reflecting on the historical significance of 1959, Michael Brand stressed that no force would ever succeed in destroying the rich civilisation and humanity embodied by the Tibetan people. He further stated that although military aggression by the Chinese communist forces succeeded in occupying Tibetan territory, it could never conquer the spirit and soul of the Tibetan nation. “The soul of the Tibetan nation and culture is far stronger than violence and repression,” he said.
Turning to the systematic violation of religious rights, he joined the growing chorus of international voices demanding the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He characterised the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, a direct assault on the freedom of religion, and a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights. Furthermore, acting as an international observer, he reaffirmed the global community’s stance on Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He specifically underscored that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama possesses the sole, legitimate authority to recognise future reincarnations.
Michael Brand added that despite decades of hardship and life in exile, the spiritual and cultural values of Tibet—rooted in peace and compassion—have spread across the world. Concluding his remarks, he expressed hope that, despite the suffering and displacement experienced by Tibetans, the strength of spirit continues to inspire hope for the future.
Before everyone left for the peace march, the official tenth-of-March gathering was concluded with the Prayer of Truth (Dentsig monlam).
