Commemoration of 41st anniversary of Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk at Rikon, Switzerland

Rikon: Saturday, 20th June 2020, Tibetan association of Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk in Switzerland (Europe) organized 62nd founding anniversary of Central Tibetan association of Chushi Gangdruk and the 41^st anniversary of Chushi Gangdruk in Europe at Tibet Institute, Rikon,Switzerland.

The formation of the Chushi Gangdruk Volunteer Force was announced on June 16, 1958. It was called National Volunteer Defence Army (NVDA)

“Chushi Gangdruk” is a Tibetan phrase meaning “land of four rivers and six ranges” and refers to the geography of the traditional Tibetan regions of Eastern Tibet. The group was founded by Andruk Gonpo Tashi as a Volunteer force to defend Tibet from Chinese army. Chushi Gangdruk was the first organized resistance movement inside Tibet against the Communist Chinese military forces. It was formally established in the month of June 1958 and was responsible for providing safe passage to His Holiness the Dalai Lama into India in 1959. The legacy of the organization has now been passed on to younger generations who continue to struggle and do their part in the cause of Tibet.

Due to the COVID-19  Pandamics, ( originated in the Wuhan region of China) only some dignitaries and limited members could be able to attend the event. They paid respects to and remembered the achievement of the volunteer militia forces. The martyrs who have given lives for Tibet were honored and prayer recitation was observed.

Ven Thupten Legmen, Khen Rinpoche of Tibet Institute Rikon , addressed the gathering.                     Mr. Samdho Jampa , Europe & South Africa Chitue  read the official letter from Tibetan parliament in Exile,Dharamsala,India ,which was specially prepared on 62^nd founding anniversary of Central Tibetan association of Chushi Gangdruk.

President of Europe Chushi Gangdruk, Mr. Dhuktsatsang Woeser spoke about the history and legacy of the organization and read the official letter from Central Office of Chushi Gangdruk.

Remembering and paying tribute to Adruk Gonpo Tashi , the founder of Chushi Gangdruk and all those who have sacrificed their lives for Tibetan freedom struggle, the speakers praised the organization`s achievements over the past six decades, especially in preservation of  Tibetan language, culture, identity and strengthening of the Tibetan freedom movement, which has been the organization`s top agenda.

Recitation of prayer for the long life and wellbeing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was done followed by Sangsol. Tibetan National Anthem was sung and a minute of silence was observed for all the patriots who sacrificed their life for the cause of Tibet.