Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch organised a seminar on Tibet

Vijyender Sharma

Dharmshala-----Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), an all-India Tibet Support Group, organised a seminar on Tibet at the Nyatri hall in Gangchen Kyishong .

Speakers at the event were Dr. Krishan Gopal, All India Joint General Secretary of RSS, Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, National Convener, BTSM, Mr. Sunil Manocha, General Secretary, BTSM, Speaker Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Parliament and Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. Others who attended the seminar include Kalons, members of Tibetan Parliament and a group of over thirty members of BTSM, Himachal Pradesh.

Expressing profound gratitude to the Indian government and people, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay spoke about India's constant support to the Tibetan people for rehabilitating the Tibetan refugees since 1959. He also talked about India and Tibet's historical relation based on mutual respect and affinity.

"India and Tibet are spiritual brothers. Tibetan Buddhism came from the Nalanda tradition of ancient India. Unfortunately, since the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, there is a massive destruction of Tibetan culture and history; 98% of Tibetan monasteries were destroyed and 99% of Tibetan monks and nuns were forcefully disrobed. Yet, we have been able to successfully revive them in India with kind assistance from the Indian government," he said.

Thanking the Indian government and its people, Speaker Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Parliament said, "We are eternally indebted to India for hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people for the last five decades. What we are today is because of India's constant support to the Tibetan people."

He also said that Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan script  have its roots in India and simultaneously, Tibetan culture and customs were influenced by ancient Indian philosophy. "Most importantly, since the invasion of Tibet by Chinese communists in 1959, Indian government has been Tibet's staunchest supporter," he added.

Dr. Agnihotri underlined the historical, geographical and cultural ties both India and Tibet share since ancient times. He said, "India and Tibet are no different from each other. Unlike rest of the world, Tibet is not only a political issue for India. Tibet is at the core of India's survival. India depends on the rivers which originate in Tibet. These rivers are the 'lifeline' for millions of Indians, therefore, Tibet is at the core of India's sustenance."He also  reiterated that Tibetans are free as long as they are not mentally cowed to the Chinese and the Indian government should help resolve the Tibet issue. "Though it may take time for the Tibet issue to be resolved but ultimately truth always achieves victory," he assured.

Dr. Krishan Gopal, who was on his maiden visit to Dharamshala, said, "Tibetans have long been separated from their motherland and I would like to tell you that as much as Tibet is engraved in your hearts, it is also close to our hearts."

Relating Tibet's situation with India, he further said, "India was once colonised for several centuries. Our monuments and temples were destroyed too but our spirits never died. As a result, we got freedom in 1947. Likewise, Tibet will also rise. A country cannot be suppressed for eternity."

Speaking on communism, he added, "Communism is steadily falling apart. USSR has disintegrated into Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Yugoslavia, etc. China too will one day become a democratic country."