Tibetan Youth Congress pays tribute to Tibetan martyrs

Friday, April 30, 2010

Phayul
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Kalon Trisur lights a butter lamp to pay tribute to Pawo Thupten Ngodup on his 12th death anniversary. (Photo: Phayul)

Dharamsala, April 29 – The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) today paid tribute to Tibetan martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of the nation. A religious function including a incense burning offering was organized at the Lhagyal Ri here. The chief guest former Kalon Tripa Sonam Topgyal lit a butter lamp in front of late Pawo Thupten Ngodup’s bust which was then followed by offering of khatas on the bust by Tibetans present there. Former leaders of TYC, Karma Choephel and Karma Yeshi, both members of the Tibetan parliament in exile, also attended the event.  

Tibetans have been commemorating April 29 as "Tibetan Martyrs' Day" after the death of Pawo Thupten Ngodup who set himself ablaze on April 29 1998 in New Delhi . Today marks the twelfth anniversary of Thupten’s death and the day is commemorated with similar tribute paying events all over the world by Tibetans and supporters.  

Addressing the gathering, former Tibetan Prime Minister Sonam Topgyal la said, "it is not only a day to offer prayers but we must understand the sacrifice by our martyrs and follow their lead to contribute to our cause in deeds".  

President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tsewang Rigzin, said, "The selfless sacrifices and display of patriotism by our martyrs has kept our movement alive today and is an inspiration for the future of the Tibetan movement. Every word of the slogans (Return of His Holiness to Tibet, Release the Panchen Lama and Independence for Tibet) raised by our martyrs has not only given hope and inspiration to the Tibetan people but also remind us of the past and to move forward in the future, their slogans is their will which we all must fulfill."

Tibetan Youth Congress is the largest non-governmental organization of Tibetans in exile striving to regain Tibet 's Independence with 86 regional chapters worldwide and over 35000 members.