Tsering reiterates non-violent approach to Tibet-China issue

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Dharamshala marks Gandhi Jayanti with tributes, peace march and interfaith gathering

Dharamshala: Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary was observed at multiple programmes in Dharamshala on Friday, with Tibetan spiritual and political leadership highlighting the relevance of non-violence, while a prabhat pheri and interfaith gathering were organised to promote peace, brotherhood and social harmony.

Outside the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, along with ministers and members of the Tibetan government-in-exile, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking to the media, Tsering said Gandhi demonstrated how major problems could be addressed through non-violent means. He referred to the influence of Gandhi’s principles on leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela and said the Tibetan leadership continued to pursue a non-violent approach to the Tibet-China issue.

Tsering said the Tibetan community observes Gandhi Jayanti every year to remember his values, particularly at a time when conflicts and violence continue in different parts of the world. He also said freedom should include freedom of thought and that people’s aspirations should not be suppressed.

On the Tibet issue, Tsering said the Tibetan leadership was following the ‘Middle Way Approach’. He said the Dalai Lama had maintained that if peace and genuine freedom could be ensured in Tibet, the Tibetan side could consider living with China instead of seeking complete independence.

Meanwhile, a prabhat pheri was organised from Kachahri Adda to Gandhi Vatika in Dharamshala to mark the birth anniversaries of Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Citizens, students, NSS volunteers, SAI athletes, police personnel and government employees participated in the procession.

At Gandhi Vatika, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Gandhi and Shastri. Artists from the Information and Public Relations Department presented devotional songs, including Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.

An interfaith gathering was also held, with representatives of St John’s Church, Jama Masjid, Gurdwara Singh Sabha and Sanatan Dharma Sabha participating. Speakers recalled Gandhi’s messages of peace, interfaith harmony and humanity.

ADC Vinay Kumar said Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, love and brotherhood remained relevant and stressed the need to incorporate the ideals of Gandhi and Shastri into everyday life rather than limiting their remembrance to ceremonial occasions.