The Tibetan community in Shimla organized a grand ceremony at the Sambhota Tibetan School on Wednesday. They were celebrating the US and President Joe Biden for passing the ‘Resolve Tibet Act’. This new law supports finding a peaceful solution to the Tibet-China conflict according to international law.
Last week, President Joe Biden signed the ‘Resolve Tibet Act’. This act states that China’s ongoing control of Tibet must be settled peacefully and not through force. The Tibetan community sees this law as a historic milestone. They believe it sends a strong message to China, which has controlled Tibet since 1951.
The celebration included traditional dances performed by Tibetan students, elders, and others. One special dance, the traditional circle dance called Gorshey, was performed at the Tibetan Sambhota School.
Tsewang Phuntsok, the Chief Representative Officer of the Central Tibetan Administration in Shimla, said this new law will help the international community pressure China to start talks with the Dalai Lama. He mentioned that this is the first act of its kind passed by any country in the past seventy years.
Phuntsok added that the Tibetan community in Shimla wanted to show their gratitude to the US. He noted the importance of celebrating on a Wednesday, which is considered significant as it marks the birth of the Dalai Lama according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.
The Tibetan community expressed happiness over the overwhelming support for the bill. They believe the new law highlights China’s efforts to erase Tibetan religion, culture, language, history, way of life, and environment.
Tenzin Palden, a Tibetan freedom activist, called the new law a “landmark legislation” for their freedom struggle. He stated that this day is crucial as it marks an important step in their fight for freedom since 1959. Palden also expressed gratitude to President Biden and the American people for supporting the resolution of the Tibet issue.
Young Tibetan activists are particularly pleased with the support from powerful nations like the US. Dawa Choedon, a young Tibetan activist, said the younger generation is happy that strong nations are recognizing the Tibet issue. She highlighted that July 12, the day President Biden signed the act, was a special Wednesday for the Tibetan diaspora in Shimla.
Choedon believes this law will pressure China to acknowledge its mistakes and address the problems faced by Tibetans. She mentioned that this act is the first significant milestone achieved, and young Tibetans worldwide are thankful to the United States.
Overall, the ceremony in Shimla was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the US and a hopeful step towards resolving the Tibet-China conflict peacefully.
Comments