Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 16: President Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) delivered the keynote address at a special program in Ludhiana marking His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and India’s 79th Independence Day on Friday. He urged greater self-reliance in local industries and expressed heartfelt gratitude to India for its decades-long support to the Tibetan people. The event, organised by the Tibetan Refugee Traders’ Association of Ludhiana as part of “The Year of Compassion” celebrations, brought together Tibetan leaders, Indian business representatives, and community members.
Reflecting on the shared history of India and Tibet, the Tibetan political leader noted, “When India gained independence in 1947, Tibet lost its independence to China just three years later. Since then, we Tibetans have lived in India as refugees. The Government of India, both at the central and state levels, has been immensely supportive and kind to us, for which I express my deepest gratitude.”
President Tsering highlighted the long-standing connection between Tibetans and the people of Ludhiana through winter business ventures, acknowledging the mutual benefits that this relationship has brought. However, he also expressed concern over the lack of self-reliance in local industries. “India has made remarkable progress and envisions self-reliance, but many goods produced here in Ludhiana still rely on foreign-made machinery and materials such as thread. If our neighbouring countries can manufacture these themselves, why can’t India? Even if it cannot happen immediately, I urge that, in time, products made here should be truly Swadeshi—manufactured in India and sold in India.”
Sharing a personal example, he added, “During a previous visit to a local factory here, I examined the machinery and threads used and was disheartened to find they were imported. In this way, we are equally complicit. I urge you all to work towards genuine self-reliance in the future.”
The head of the exile polity also spoke about the week-long celebrations in Dharamshala marking His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, noting that over 200 journalists from media houses around the world attended to cover the event. He said this global media presence reflected the Tibetan spiritual leader’s stature and widespread admiration. President Tsering added that discussions on His Holiness’ reincarnation during the coverage helped people from faiths that do not traditionally believe in or understand the concept gain a better understanding of the Tibetan Buddhist system of reincarnation.
He further highlighted His Holiness’ four principal commitments and his collaboration with Emory University to develop the SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) curriculum, based on his lifelong dedication to promoting human values, religious harmony, and universal responsibility. President Tsering noted that over 100 universities and institutions worldwide have adopted this curriculum and encouraged the Punjab government to consider implementing it as well. He stressed that the program is inclusive of all religions, as it promotes values such as love, compassion, and non-violence, and described it as one of the Dalai Lama’s most significant contributions to the world.
President Tsering also underscored the Nobel Laureate’s tireless advocacy for the Tibetan cause over the past 90 years, noting that the three pillars of the Tibetan government-in-exile stand in Dharamshala as a testament to a functioning democracy—something rare among political refugee communities worldwide. He concluded his speech by noting that Tibetans are settled in various parts of India, earning their livelihoods through business, and acknowledged that this has been made possible by India’s support. He expressed his deep gratitude and hoped that this close relationship would continue for many years to come.
The event was attended by Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Dolma Tsering, Delhi Representative Jigme Jungney, Finance Secretary Tsering Dhondup, Member of Parliament Karma Gelek, and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts Director Dhondup Tsering. Other notable guests included Lala Tibetan Hosiery Association Chairman Navin Sudha, Indo-Tibetan Hosiery Association Chairman D.S. Kapur, Delhi Jafrabad Business Association Chairman Ashrif, along with several other business leaders.
