Dharamshala — On behalf of the Tibetan people, the political leader of the Tibetan people (Sikyong), Dr. Lobsang Sangay, greeted India on its 67th Republic Day and praised India's non-violent struggle for freedom.
The brief ceremony to celebrate the occasion was held at the Kashag secretariat, attended by Kalons, Secretaries, and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Sikyong, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, hoisted the Indian National flag at a brief ceremony held Tuesday morning.
"Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, either in spirit or in person, join in the celebration to mark the 67th anniversary of India's Republic Day," the political leader said while greeting the people of India on behalf of the Tibetan people.
Sikyong also expressed gratitude to the state and central government of India for extending continued support to the Tibetan people and for hosting Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
"Incredible India has been a kind host to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Central Tibetan Administration, and the largest population of Tibetans in exile. So, on behalf of all the Tibetans, I wish India and the Indian government our very best wishes," he said, adding, no country has done more for Tibet than India.
Speaking on India's freedom movement, the political leader described the non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi as the role model from which Tibetans derive inspiration for its peaceful and non-violent struggle for Tibetan freedom. "India has changed the course of history by showing that war and violence are not necessary to regain freedom and independence," he added.
Sikyong also welcomed the visit of President Francois Hollande of France, who is the Chief Guest at the grand Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
Following the brief ceremony at Kashag, Sikyong took part in the official ceremony organized by the local Indian administration of Kangra district at the police ground in lower Dharamshala.
The political leader, accompanied by Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, the health minister of Himachal Pradesh, first visited the war memorial and laid a wreath in honor of the Indian soldiers who have been martyred.
Sikyong then proceeded to attend the ceremony at the police ground, where a parade and cultural performances were held to celebrate the occasion.
The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi driving to the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial at India Gate and laying a wreath in honor of the countless Indian soldiers who have died in battles since World War I.
India's military prowess and diverse cultural heritage were on display at the special day parade. For the first time, a contingent from the French 35th Infantry Regiment was given the honor of leading the marching contingents.
