Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein celebrated commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama


Bülach: 14th December 2019: Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein organized 30th Nobel Peace Prize celebration in Bülach City Hall. The Programme began by welcoming the Portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the altar on the stage with Dhung and Gyaling by the dignitaries. Offering of Mandala and Khatak to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ Portrait, for his long life and well being was done. Tibetan National Anthem led by Swiss Dhoekar (Tibetan Folklore Ensemble of Switzerland) followed by a minute of Silence for all the Martyrs of Tibet was observed. Prayer session led by Khen Rinpoche and Monk was also observed.

Chief Guest of the ceremony was Mr.Chiimey Rigzen and his colleges, Representatives of Tibet Bureau, Geneva. Other Dignitaries present on the occasion were Ven Thupten Legmen, Khen Rinpoche, Tibet Institute Rikon, Mr. Samdho Jampa, and Europe Chitue, former Chitues, Mr. Thomas Büchli, President Swiss Tibetan friendship association and Representatives of various NGOs.

Mr.Tsamda Norbu, President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein opened the Ceremony with a welcome Speech. He remarked that the Nobel peace prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama was conferred for his truth and non-violent approach to China’s oppression of Tibet. We should all remember and work towards the fulfillment of His holiness’ principle commitments and work towards our cause in unity. He urged the Tibetans to get more involved in the Tibetan issues and participate in the Tibetan community work.

Mr. Thomas Büchli stated that the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 30 years ago in recognition of His unwavering commitment to peacefully restore freedom for Tibetans in Tibet and for world peace. Actually this conferment made the world better known of Tibet’s grave situation under the Chinese Rule but the situation of Tibetans in Tibet is still not getting better.

Swiss Parliamentary Group for Tibet has been organizing many activities to show the real face of China in Switzerland which resulted successfully to some extent. He also mentioned that to have a successful result, many and many Tibetans should work together for the cause for Tibet. So each and every Tibetans should participate in community work and take more responsibilities to achieve the goal.

He also informed that the Swiss Tibetan friendship association is organizing Bike Tour from Winterthur to Bern. The main aim of this Bike Tour would be to highlight Tibet’s global ecological importance and its current environment situation under Chinese occupation. The impact of climate change on the Tibetan Plateau highlighted three important facts, the ecological importance of the Tibetan Plateau, the severe cases of extreme warming on the Plateau and the increasing cases of natural disasters in Tibet in recent years. The extreme rise in temperature for the last few decades and the alarming scale of its implications for Asia and the world should be known.

The reckless ecological exploitation of the Tibet Plateau by China has consequences for the global climate. With this Cyclonaute tour, we draw attention to this problem and the dramatic environmental problems caused by China’s influence in Tibet said Mr. Büchli. Everyone is welcome to the tour which started from 5th March to 10th March 2020.

Ven. Thupten Legmen, Abbot of Rikon Tibet Institute stated that main reason to offer Nobel peace prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his guidance not only to the humanity of this universe to the path of non-violence and peace but also transforming the nature of the Tibetan freedom movement into a complete non-violent Endeavour. We should repay his Holiness gratitude by carrying his wishes with a sincerity of purpose. Especially new generation should learn different languages and learn modern education but at the same time should preserve and maintain our rich Tibetan culture and language, which represents Tibetan identity among others.

Chief Guest, Mr. Chhimey Rigzen , Representative of Tibet Bureau Geneva after reading the Kashag`s statement, he requested all the Tibetans to put more force on the “STRENGTH OF UNITY”. With this he recalled a statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talk on 10th March 1976 “ Tibetans, instead of fighting each other in the name of Choelkha and Choelug , we must fight against Communist China”

His Holiness has steadily undertaken the commitment to emphasize the importance of inculcating compassion, tolerance, and kindness to achieve peace and harmony among all human beings. While stressing the importance of religious harmony, he has advocated dialogue as a means to resolve any conflict. Even in the face of persecution, his holiness has led the world with examples through his undeterred efforts to resolve the issue of Tibet non-violently.

Mr. Samdho Jampa, Europe Chitue, member of the Tibetan Parliament, presented the statement of the Tibetan parliament in Exile on the occasion. He also offered the award of thanks to Mr. Thomas Büchli for his many years’ contribution to Tibet’s cause and taking responsibilities as a president of the Swiss Tibetan friendship association and his tireless support for the cause of Tibet.

Swiss Dhoekar, Tibetan Folklore Ensemble, three Provinces of Tibet, Weekend Tibetan Language School Children, Associations and sections in Switzerland performed varieties of lively cultural Programs on the auspicious occasion. In the end the stage was open for Gorshay –Traditional Tibetan folk dance, led by Swiss Dhoekar.

More than 2000 Tibetans with Tibetan traditional costumes attended the Ceremony with full spirit. The stalls of Tibetan books and goods on the corridor attracted scores of Tibetans of all ages. The Newsletter group also interviewed some stall keepers, which can be seen on the website of Tibetswiss.ch.

Nyima Arya

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