Delhi, India: - Tibetans in the Samyeling Tibetan Colony, Aruna Nagar, Delhi observed "Thank You India" and "Thank You Delhi" during a celebration of their golden jubilee which was graced by the presence of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Delhi, India on 26 December 2012.
Thousands of Tibetans and well-wishers in the Tibetan colony accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his arrival at the settlement public school, followed by recitation of prayers and offering of Mendal Tensum by the settlement officer and camp leader.
Many Indian and Tibetan dignitaries attended the event and among them were, Mr Parlad Singh Sawhney MP, representing Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Tibetan home minister Ms Dolma Gyari, and Dongchung Ngodup Minister of the Department of Security.
Speaking on the occasion, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he believes that whether a person follows any religion or not is unimportant, he/she must have a good heart, a warm heart. "This is essential for a happy life, which is much more important to make a happier family, community and happier world," said His Holiness while speaking about the importance of his three commitments; fostering human values, promoting inter-religious harmony and the well-being of the Tibetan people.
His Holiness said the future of Tibet belongs to the younger generation and they should work hard to secure a better future for all.
His Holiness also stressed on the importance of the Tibetan language, saying that Tibetan is the only language through which one can truly understand the deep underlying meaning of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.
The settlement officer, Mr Lekyi Dorjee Tsangla, made his welcome and introductory speech for the ceremony. He said, "A handful of Tibetans refugees arrived at Ladakh Buddhist Vihar, Delhi in 1960. Later in the year 1963, the prime minister, honorable Pandit Jawa Lal Nehru, has generously allotted a piece of land around the bank of the river Yamuna, and the majority of the Tibetan refugee families shifted to the present location now known as New Aruna Nagar, Majnu Ka Tilla. A few of the families continued to live there around Ladakh Buddhist Vihar."
"The Tibetan colony at Buddhist Vihara is now comprised of three blocks embracing about 51 families. They mainly deal with the retail of ready-made garments for their livelihood. New Aruna Nagar now consists of 12 blocks comprising about 350 permanent families and many more tenants and outstation students. Restaurants serving Tibetan delicacies, shops selling jewelry, artifacts reminiscent of Tibet, and lodging houses are the main facet of the colony," Mr Lekyi Dorjee stated.
The political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, said he would like to remind Tibetans that there is no loss or damage during more than one year in office, after making every possible effort. He thanked Tibetans inside and outside Tibet for showing their strong support, being loyal and united for the Tibetan cause and carrying out their responsibilities.
Dr Sangay said self-immolations by Tibetans continue in Tibet due to China's hardline policies against the Tibetan people. Many international organisations support and recognise Tibetans' side, and they understand the truth about Tibetans and Tibet. The political leader said organizations like Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and U.S. Congressional Executive Commission on China issued their reports on the wave of self-immolations in Tibet, criticizing Chinese government policies in the region for creating the tensions.
Elected Tibetan leader expressed his gratefulness towards India and its people for accommodating Tibetan refugees and facilitating thousands of Tibetan Children. "Tibetans in exile have managed to stand on their own feet, because of these facilities provided to us. He said Tibetans' success is the success of India. "If we will be able to achieve or fulfill the aspirations of Tibetan people, that is to restore freedom for Tibetans and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet."
Dr Sangay also urge Tibetans across the world to continue the legacy of their elder generations, who didn't much know the modern education and modern system. Yet, they maintained the integrity and hard-work, contributed much for the Tibet cause. Now its upon us, the younger generation to build on the hard-work of the elder generation. Dr Sangay said that the contribution and sacrifices made by the elder generations, mostly profound under leadership of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
Home Kalon Dolma Gyari thanked Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and other Indian officials for the regularisation of Majnutilla Tibetan colony. To honour their support, His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented them each with a portrait of the Buddha.
