The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on Wednesday marked the 36th anniversary of the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The event brought together international delegations from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Chile, the Czech Republic, France and Italy. It was a gathering of supporters who came to honour his lifelong message of peace.
The Dalai Lama was not present at the ceremony. He has travelled from McLeodganj to the Mundgod Tibetan Settlement in Karnataka, where he will stay for at least six weeks. He is also scheduled to visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe on January 5 next year.
In McLeodganj, the event started with the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a special song. The President (Sikyong) of Tibetan government-in-exile Penpa Tsering presented the Kashag’s (parliament-in-exile) statement, highlighting the global importance of the Dalai Lama’s teachings on non-violence, compassion and shared responsibility.
A major delegation came from the Czech Republic, led by Senate Vice President Jitka Seitlová. The group included senators, deputies, staff, academics, media members and long-time supporters of Tibet. CTA representative Thinley Chukki joined them. They spoke about the historic bond between Tibet and the Czech Republic, shaped by the Dalai Lama’s friendship with former Czech President Václav Havel.
Australia was represented by Senator Barbara Pocock, MP Kate Chaney and MP Sarah Jane Witty. MPs Greg Fleming and Duncan Webb led the New Zealand delegation. Fiji MP Virendra Lal attended on behalf of his country. Representatives from the Pacific region came with Karma Singey and members of the Australia Tibet Council.
Chile sent a strong group headed by Senator-elect Vlado Mirosevic, along with deputies and members of the Chilean Friends of Tibet. French MP Samantha Cazebonne and Italian supporters Guenther Cologna and Lucy Battu represented Europe. They all shared their solidarity with Tibet.
Speakers from each country expressed support for the Tibetan cause and praised the Dalai Lama’s lifelong work for peace and dignity. Fiji MP Virendra Lal spoke about the Dalai Lama’s strength and moral leadership. New Zealand MP Greg Fleming stressed the need to protect Tibetan language, culture and identity. French MP Cazebonne highlighted the universal relevance of his message of empathy and dialogue.
Chile’s Vlado Mirosevic criticised human rights abuses in Tibet, including limits on religious freedom and forced assimilation of children. Australian Senator Barbara Pocock demanded an end to colonial-style boarding schools in Tibet and voiced support for Tibetans facing repression. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivered a message on behalf of the Tibetan community and its elected representatives. The event also saw the release of a new book by Kunchok Tsering and a pictorial guide introducing children to Tibetan democracy.
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