Tibetans in Switzerland commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day

Jona: Saturday, 5th September 2020: Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein                                   ( TCSL)organized a commemoration ceremony on Saturday, 5^th September 2020 at Aula Weiden, Jona, on the occasion of 60^th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy day.

The Programme started by welcoming the  portrait of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama to the altar followed by long life Prayer .Solcha and Dresil were served. Tibetan National Anthem and Mangtso Sarshey (Democracy Song) was sung and minute of Silence for all the Martyrs of Tibet was observed.

Due to Chinese originated COVID-19 Pandemics, the ceremony was attended by only some Guest and Thuemis (Members of Executive Board of TCSL)

Mr. Tsamdha Norbu, President of Tibetan Community of Switzerland& Liechtenstein opened the Ceremony with a welcome Speech. He stated that how important is it for us all Tibetans to gather to commemorate the 60^th Anniversary of Tibetan democracy day but this year due to Wuhan originated COVID-19 Pandemics, under strict  Regulations of Swiss government , only a limited Guest und Thuemis could attend to celebrate this very day . He also reminded the Speech recently given by Sikyong Lobsang Senge , all the Tibetans to ensure that they do not neglect by heedlessness the sacred and valuable democratic system that has been gifted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rather they should bring sense of responsibility over it and act to work towards its continued further progress and success.

He requested all the Tibetans for active participation in 2021 General Elections of Sikyong and members of 17^th Tibetan Parliament with democratic process to ensure that the leaders remain accountable and true to democratic values.

Elections  of the Sikyong and Chitue is important but I encourage you all  to keep in mind the aspiration of Tibetans and our cause and to work towards electing  rightful  candidate for the next  Election  as a President  of Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein, as our community`s future would depends on this rightful  candidate.

Mr. Chimimey Rigzen, Representative of Tibetan Bureau, Geneva also urged all the Tibetans in Switzerland to take serious participation on coming election not only for Sikyong and Chitue but also for the President. He also requested not to criticize other candidate. We must respect each and every candidate for their will power to serve our Nation. He also requested all the Tibetans in Switzerland to be friendly with others and to follow the rules and regulations of the country.

Ven. Thupten Legmen, Khen Rinpoche said that Unity is the most important and instead of losing ourselves in our day to day life schedule, we must try to take more time to serve our community and try to be a proud Tibetan.

Mr. Samdho Jampa , Europe Chitue read the official statement of Tibetan Parliament in Exile. He appealed Tibetans to respect our Democratic system and to remain observant and commit to playing a constructive role in the democratic process. He urged vigilance against various propaganda tactics on social media designed to sow disunity. The most important is to think yourself as a Tibetan regardless of your Choelkha and Choelug and participate fully in the 2021 electoral process and ensure a genuine exercise in democracy.

Mr. Chokchampa Phuntsok, vice president of Tibetan Community of Switzerland &Liechtenstein appealed young generations to step forward to strengthen our democracy with renewed dedication and effort and serve our community. It is sad to see many people criticize our leaders on social media, he requested all the Tibetans to respect the elected official for their selfless service.

Annual Reports were presented by the Thuemis (Members of Executive Board of TCSL) all section in Switzerland.

As part of democratic process , on this very day Public were given opportunity to ask questions and share their opinions personally but this year because of COVID-19 Pandemics public gathering  was not possible but  they have given chance to submit  their questions and opinions which were answered on the occasion.

The programme concluded successfully at about 6 pm.

The Event can be watched on Tibetswiss facebook page

Nyima Arya