CTA leaders pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on 156th birth anniversary

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) marked the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Gangchen Kyishong on Thursday, with senior leaders and officials gathering to pay homage to the architect of India’s freedom movement.

The ceremony was led by Officiating Sikyong (Prime Minister) Gyari Dolma on behalf of the 16th Kashag (parliament) and attended by Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Tibetan Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Auditor General Tashi Topgyal, Additional Election Commissioner Tsering Youdon, Parliamentarians Dhondup Tashi and Tsering Yangchen, along with senior CTA officials.

The observance began with the tradition of lighting of lamp and laying flowers before the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.

Dolma Gyari highlighted the continued relevance of Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence to the Tibetan cause. “On the birth anniversary of the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, we Tibetans, particularly the Central Tibetan Administration, join the people of India in remembering him with reverence. Gandhi’s method of achieving independence through truth and non-violence remains a guiding path for us,” she said.

Underscoring the deep respect Tibetans hold for India’s culture and traditions, she noted that the Dalai Lama has consistently followed Gandhi’s path in leading the Tibetan freedom struggle through peaceful means.

“While many struggles worldwide adopt armed resistance, the Tibetan people, guided by the Dalai Lama's vision, have enshrined in their Charter a firm commitment to pursue our struggle solely through peaceful and non-violent means, making us a unique community,” she added.

Expressing gratitude to India, she concluded, “We Tibetans have immense affection for India. We pray that India continues to grow as a powerful and exemplary nation for the world.”