Tibetans Greets India on 69th Independence Day
The ceremony was attended by members of the Cabinet of Tibetan government in Exile and secretaries and senior officials of all the departments.
“On the 69th anniversary of India’s independence day, I would like to wish the government and people of India a very hearty congratulation,” Sangye said.
“Since its independence in 1947, India has made a lot of progress. From a developing country, it has risen to a great power. The international community also recognises India as a great democratic nation, as you can see from the respect that the Indian prime minister garners during his travels abroad,” he said.
“The successive governments of India and the different political parties have always supported the just cause of Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration as well as the largest population of Tibetan refugees is based in India. Therefore, we are immensely grateful to this great nation for the kindness and generosity that it has shown to the Tibetan people,” he added.
As he hoisted the tricolor Indian national flag, Sangye wistfully looked at the flag fluttering in the air and said: “Watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji give his Independence Day speech from the roof of the Red Fort, I too had a dream, that one day soon we’ll also hoist the Tibetan national flag on the rooftop of the Potala palace.”
Tea and sweets were distributed after the ceremony. Following the ceremony, Sangye left for Police Grounds in Lower Dharamshala where the local Indian administrative office is hosting a similar ceremony to mark the occasion.
