As Indians marked the 77th Republic Day, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala also participated in the celebrations, honoring the day when the Indian Constitution took effect in 1950. Sikyong Dolma Changra, in her address after the flag hoisting and national anthem singing, conveyed well wishes to India on behalf of the Tibetan people, praising India as a model of democracy for the world.
She highlighted the unique democratic system introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Tibetans in exile, inspired by India’s democratic principles. The CTA emphasized Tibetan gratitude for India’s continuous support and applauded India’s constitutional growth and democratic strength post-independence. Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang also extended greetings and solidarity to the Indian populace.
The Dalai Lama, expressing gratitude, thanked the Indian government and its people for their hospitality towards Tibetans for over six decades. Having sought refuge in India in 1959 following the failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama has since resided in India, where the CTA is headquartered in Dharamsala. Referring to India as the “Guru” and Tibet as its “Chela,” the Dalai Lama regards himself as the “Son of India” and advocates for the fusion of India’s ancient wisdom with modern education based on the Nalanda tradition.
