Tibetans Celebrate 64th Democracy Day in Dharamshala
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India – On September 3, Tibetans-in-exile celebrated the 64th anniversary of ‘Democracy Day’ in Dharamshala. This day is significant as it marks the establishment of the Tibetan democratic system in exile.
Historical Background
In 1960, following the arrival of the Dalai Lama and 80,000 Tibetans in Dharamshala, the Tibetan parliament-in-exile was established. This was a major step in creating a democratic system for Tibetans living in exile.
Celebrations and Significance
A resident of Dharamshala expressed his joy on this special occasion, highlighting the importance of the day for Tibetan people. He explained that in 1960, the Dalai Lama initiated the democratic system by setting up a parliament with members from different regions of Tibet. Over time, the number of parliament members has increased, and now there are 46 members.
He also mentioned that in 2011, the Dalai Lama granted full power to the Tibetan people to elect their president, further strengthening their democratic system.
Historical Event
On September 2, 1960, a year after many Tibetans fled their homes due to the Chinese invasion, the first elected representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile took their oaths in Bodh Gaya, marking the beginning of the Tibetan democratic system.
Previous Celebrations
Last year, the 63rd anniversary of Democracy Day was also celebrated in Dharamshala. Leaders of the exiled Tibetan Government, including parliamentarians and other dignitaries, gathered at the main Buddhist temple, Tsuglagkhang. A 13-member delegation, including Swedish parliamentarians led by MP Margareta Elisabeth Cederfelt, attended as distinguished guests.
Democratic Ideals
The Central Tibetan Administration emphasizes that their democratic system is based on equality, not differentiating people based on strength, wealth, gender, race, or lineage. It aims to create a society where everyone is seen as equal.
Doubts Revealed
Tibetans-in-exile -: Tibetans-in-exile are people from Tibet who had to leave their country and live in other places, like India, because of political reasons.
Democracy Day -: Democracy Day is a special day when Tibetans celebrate having a democratic system, where people can vote and have a say in how they are governed.
Dharamshala -: Dharamshala is a town in India where many Tibetans live, including the Dalai Lama, their spiritual leader.
Tibetan parliament-in-exile -: The Tibetan parliament-in-exile is a group of people who make laws and decisions for Tibetans living outside Tibet.
Dalai Lama -: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetans. He had to leave Tibet and now lives in India.
Central Tibetan Administration -: The Central Tibetan Administration is like a government for Tibetans living outside Tibet. They help manage and support the Tibetan community.
Swedish delegation -: A Swedish delegation is a group of important people from Sweden who visit other countries to show support or discuss important matters.
