All India Tibetan College Students' Peace Launch Day

Phayul[Friday, May 23, 2008 20:11]

By Tenzin Sangmo.

New Delhi, May 23 - The All India Tibetan College Students' Mass Movement is a lobby effort synonymous with the awakening of a new generation. College students from across the country have grouped voluntarily realizing the need for a body-that would act as a voice of the younger generation in view of the current Tibet crisis.

Photo by Tenzin Dasel/Phayul.com

Their demands include:

- Significant and result-oriented dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

- China to live up to her pledge of improving human rights to the IOC before being awarded to host the Games.

- To release the whereabouts of the Tibetan University students who were detained for expressing their solidarity for the victims of Beijing's crackdown.

- An end to the subjugation and violent bloodbath inside Tibet.

The day began with a Peace March from Ramlila Ground to Jantar Mantar in the Indian capital. Around 200 students from the Mass Movement participated in this peaceful demonstration of solidarity with their countrymen. This was followed by the National Anthems of Tibet and India. A minute's silence was then observed by the crowd and a mock dramatization of how Tibetan delegates were literally forced into signing the 17 Point Agreement by Chinese officials on May 23, 1951 was staged. The street play presented a firm disagreement and an unjustified act towards the Tibetan people. The Agreement signed at Beijing some fifty seven years ago is considered null and void under International Law, where it was signed under coercion when Tibet was already occupied in large parts by the PLA. Hence a treaty procured through the forcible occupation of one party's territory by the military forces of another is negated.

"We the new generation outright reject the 17 Point Agreement. The delegation sent to China to negotiate with the Communist Government was not permitted any authority to accept Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. However, when the Tibetan delegation refused to sign the agreement, they were met with personal threats and a full scale take over of Tibet with force. The seals affixed to the documents were forged by the Chinese Government to give it necessary impression of authority," said Jigme Yeshi, a History major at St. Stephen's, Delhi University also the President of the TYC-Regional (SOS Youth Hostel).

The students were also supported in their effort by local Indians who were rallying against China's ban on the annual pilgrimage 'Kailash Mansarovar Yatra' to the holy Mount Kailash. Himalaya Parivar's Bhupender Kansal said, " Tibet was never a part of China, China first invaded Tibet and subsequently Mt. Kailash. The ban on this year's 'yatra' has aroused negative sentiments among devotees and pilgrims alike. We oppose the step taken by the Chinese authorities and urge them to resume the pilgrimage. India's security lies in Tibet's freedom."

Chief Guest, George Fernandes, Former Defense Minister and long time Tibet friend showed up as a figure of inspiration despite his ailing health, "History stands witness to a free Tibet and it is imperative that we bring this truth to the forefront unveiling it to the world. If we do not succeed now, there is no telling what might become in the future. The whole world stands with you in your peaceful resistance. It is now or never."

Photo by Tenzin Dasel/Phayul.com

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche who came to the venue soon after his arrival in New Delhi from tour to Europe said, "We need to take a lesson from Tibet's glorifying past and continue with our labor. I sincerely pray that the youth today heed me and implement constructive programs for Tibet's security and peace. You have come from all corners of India, forsaking your summer break for the greater cause of your country. It is now in your hands to keep the flame of the struggle burning. It gives me immense satisfaction to see that the younger generation has taken such a step all on their effort."

A total of 113 doves were set free by Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche which symbolized the number of years His Holiness dreamt he would be in this world before embarking on his heavenly abode. Balloons were also released as a mark of peace and liberation in Tibet and the world as a whole.