Dharamshala – Chushi Gangdruk commemorated the 65th anniversary of its foundation in Bir, HP, India, on June 16, 2023. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was the chief guest at the anniversary. Speaker commemorated the efforts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and urged people to follow in his footsteps. In addition to commemorating the 65th anniversary of its foundation, the organisation also held the 51st meeting of its Board of Directors and paid tribute to Andrug Gonpo Tashi, the founder of Dokham Chushi Gangdruk, on the 60th anniversary of his death.
Chushi Gangdruk was a Tibetan guerrilla group, formally founded by Andrug Gonpo Tashi on June 16, 1958. the Chushi Gangdruk guerrillas fought the forces of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Tibet from 1956 to 1974. The organisation celebrated its 65th founding anniversary in the Tibetan colony of Bir, H.P., India, on June 16, 2023. Chushi Gangdruk members and supporters celebrated the anniversary worldwide.
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile addressed the anniversary celebrations of Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk held in Bir, Himachal Pradesh. Parliamentarians Serta Tsultrim, Khenpo Jamphal Tenzin, Kunga Sotop, Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam, Dorjee Tseten, Konchok Yangphel, Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong, Wangdue Dorjee, and Tenzin Jigdal, as well as former and current members of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk's executive board, were present in addition to special guests. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel spoke of the main aim of the Tibetan resistance movement when it was founded in 1958, and the historic importance of the group's actions, which ranged from fighting the Chinese Communist army to escorting His Holiness the Dalai Lama safely to India.
He also spoke of the struggles and efforts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to re-establish the Tibetan government in exile. He explained how the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, which includes elected legislators from Tibet's three provinces and the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, has contributed to the democratisation of Tibetan politics. The speaker emphasised the integrity of the three provinces: "Even during the reign of the Chogyals (kings of Tibet), Tibet was made up of the three provinces of Tibet - U-Tsang, Dotoe and Domey, and this was still the case under the fifth Dalai Lama, under the Gaden Phodrang government".
The speaker highlighted the difficulties faced by His Holiness since he took over the temporal and spiritual leadership of Tibet at the age of 16, when the Chinese Communist army began invading the eastern regions of Tibet. The speaker went on to say that even in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama continued to fight for Tibet and gave Tibetans democracy. His Holiness promoted equality of opportunity and leadership, which helped the people of the three provinces to unite. He also drew attention to the Sino-Tibetan conflict on a global scale and won the support of many members of the international community, including world leaders, organizations, activists and individuals. He urged the younger generation of Tibetans to follow the example of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict, and called on the people of the three provinces to continue to follow His Holiness's good advice for their own well-being.
In honor of the founding father of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk, Andrug Gonpo Tashi, who passed away 60 years ago today, the Speaker of the House remembered his sacrifices and contributions to the cause of Tibet and encouraged everyone to carry on his legacy. He concluded his speech by praying for the long life and well-being of His Holiness.
Tenphel also launched a book on the history of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk written by Chushi Gangdruk's secretary Nyingmik. He then presented certificates to members of the Chushi Gangdruk election and audit committees, as well as awards to Chushi Gangdruk warriors.
Tenphel also launched a book on the history of Dokham Chushi Gangdruk written by his secretary Nyingmik. He then presented certificates and Chushi Gangdruk Warrior Awards to members of Chu-Gang's election and audit committees.
