Dharamshala – The Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community in Dharamshala celebrated the 65th Tibetan Democracy Day earlier this morning at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard, in the presence of distinguished guests: Hon’ble MP Wada Yuichiro, Member of the House of Representatives, Japan; Hon’ble MP Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur, Member of the Lok Sabha, Government of India; and a delegation of around thirty members from the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).
The commemoration—marking the day His Holiness the Dalai Lama laid the foundation for Tibetan democracy—began with the arrival of the esteemed guests, followed by the rendition of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, as well as the Tibetan Democracy Day song, performed by artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).
As part of the day’s proceedings, Sikyong Penpa Tsering read out the statement of the 16th Kashag and acknowledged the presence of participants from the Tibet-Himalaya Relations Conference.
Christina Jansen, Board Member of the International Campaign for Tibet, then addressed the gathering. She shared a moving anecdote about a Tibetan man inside Tibet who had entrusted her with a letter for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“When I remember 1989, I was a young diplomat posted in Beijing. I witnessed, with my own eyes, the hopes and courage of young people in Tiananmen Square—asking for freedom, asking for dignity. And I saw, with deep sorrow, how that hope was crushed in two days. That experience has never left me. It showed me that freedom is more precious than anything—and more fragile than we sometimes realise.”
She continued, “His Holiness has gifted you a framework that is both deeply Tibetan and universally human—a democracy rooted in compassion.”
Hon’ble MP Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur, Member of the Lok Sabha, Government of India addressing the gathering.Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA
The chief guest, Hon’ble MP Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur, remarked, “It is because of this enduring support that His Holiness has had the space, momentum, energy, courage, and strength to carry the Tibetan movement across the globe.
The sadness, however, is this: has the Tibetan movement been reduced to just an anonymous cause?
Looking at the life His Holiness has lived—what he has exuded, and shown, especially to Tibetans around the world—it’s clear that a compassionate life, a life of truth, courage, inclusiveness, understanding, and forbearance is the torch for future generations.
Has this actually trickled down? Has it succeeded in becoming ingrained in the future generations of Tibetans? If it had, I believe we would today have millions actively promoting what the Tibetan movement truly stands for.”
He continued, “The responsibility that His Holiness has handed over to all Tibetans—and indeed, to citizens of all democracies across the globe—is to propagate what God has given us: the right to be free.
Today, however, we find ourselves increasingly shackled by governments claiming to act for our benefit, while promoting right-wing authoritarianism. This must stop.
With a personality as eminent as His Holiness—who has led by example—the best thing future generations can do, especially my friends, brothers, and sisters of Tibetan heritage, is to live as he has lived.
Be free. Be courageous. Understand that his goal has always been inclusiveness.
He has never advocated for the exclusion of Chinese or any other people. His vision is for a world that belongs to all,” the Hon’ble MP concluded.
Representing the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, Hon’ble MP Wada Yuichiro highlighted, “It is very clear that His Holiness has said his reincarnation will continue. He has also clearly stated that the selection or recognition of his reincarnation will be carried out by his office, the Gaden Phodrang, and that no other party will interfere in this sacred process.”
He added, “We deeply appreciate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s efforts toward promoting world peace. We, the Japan Parliamentary Support Group, wholeheartedly support His Holiness’s efforts in making this world a better place for all sentient beings.”
MP Wada also read out a message from Yamatani Eriko, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet. Representative Tsewang Gyalpo Arya translated his address during the ceremony.
The commemoration also featured the presentation of the Gaden Phodrang and Excellence Awards for academic distinction by Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo. Sikyong Penpa Tsering presented recognition awards to two CTA staff members for 25 years of service, while Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel conferred honorary awards to nine Tibetan PhD students.
Before concluding the official program, students from various Tibetan schools in Dharamshala performed traditional dances, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the celebration.
Member of Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, Hon’ble MP Wada Yuichiro addressing the gathering.Photo / Tenzin Phende/ CTA
Group portrait of CTA Leadership, Sikyong Penpa Tsering with 9 honorary Phd awardees.Photo / Tenzin phende / CTA
Gaden Phodrang Award 2025 Conferred to 10 Recipients. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA
Artists from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts presenting a cultural performance. Photo /Tenzin Phende / CTA
