by Sangay Taythi
Minnesota, April 27 – As the birthday of XIth Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima was observed worldwide Saturday Tibetans and supporters in Minnesota raised awareness on his abduction by the Chinese government in 1995, with a bike rally.
The 25 mile bike rally was carried out from the Minnesota’s State Capitol towards Downtown Minneapolis.
Panchen Lama’s abduction reaffirms the fact that the Chinese still hold oppressive rule over Tibet where religious and political freedoms are constantly in jeopardy, said a press release issued by the organizers.
Leading about 50 bikers including women and children was Rinpo Lama, who had previously participated in many bike campaigns and most recently, did a prostration campaign on the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising this past March.
As the bikers arrived in Downtown Minneapolis, they were greeted by several Tibetans and supporters who held banners and placards along the side of the road. Followed by speeches from prominent members of the Minnesota Tibetan community, a Vigil was then observed with prayers for the Panchen Lama and for Tibetans inside of Tibet who continue to live under the brutal occupation the Chinese government.
An awareness concert was later held at a restaurant and bar in Downtown Minneapolis. The new and emerging Tibetan Rock band, Melong and other artists such as Daniel Heavens, Tony Criss and the Richard Lewis Band entertained the crowd soon after monks from the Gyuto Dharma Center opened with sacred Buddhist chants. Christopher Childs, an environmentalist and author then gave a speech to the public and voiced his support for the Tibetan cause. Documentaries about the Panhen Lama were also screened.
