New Delhi: The bright colours of the Tibetan flag covered TCV Day School, Samyeling, at Majnu ka Tila on Thursday, on the occasion of 82nd birthday celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The spiritual figure is an empowering force for displaced Tibetans.
The peacemaker himself is in Ladakh. The shops remained closed on account of the occasion.
The chief guest of the event, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, could not mark his presence due to unavoidable circumstances but sent his greetings. Among the guests present were Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba, who was spotted wearing a chupa, the traditional dress of Tibet, R.K. Khrimey, president of Tibetan core group and members and representative of Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Delhi, with its members from across the country.
The Indian and Tibetan flag placed on the opposite sides of the stage marked its hospitable relations.
The celebration commenced with the prayer following which was addressal by the guests, cake cutting ceremony, and performances by men, women, children and senior citizens. The festivity comprised of not only Tibetan music and dance but kids tapped their feet to Bollywood songs too.
With a wan and wrinkled face like a late winter’s moon, a woman in her mid 80s sat outside a temple supervising a counter selling Tibetan food run by two kids and owned by her daughter. She recalls the memory of her journey to India 56 years ago. China’s invasion into her native country, Tibet, left her homeless.
In her 30s the exiled lady set out in search of shelter with her father and couple of domestic helpers carrying food items and other essentials. They crossed the mountains on foot that left their shoes in tatters. She first took shelter at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh and thereafter moved to Majnu ka Tila where many Tibetan families live. India has now become her permanent home. Many like her had made their presence to grace the occasion. These Tibetans refugees and others who have taken birth in India feel fortunate to live in a country free from Chinese oppression. India has now become a permanent home to them.
Once a landfill, New Aruna Nagar colony, also known as Majnu ka Tila, has now become a popular hangout. The chaotic lanes will take you to a different world altogether. It has been around 13 years that they have a volunteer based RWA which is recognised by MCD. People have Aadhaar and other identity proof cards. Also, they participate in political elections actively.
An accountant at RWA office who was born here, said, “The Tibetan refugee soldiers at the line of control are fighting with all the zeal and are always ready to give up their lives for the country but never step back.”
Speaking about the Government of China, the man in his 50s at the RWA office said, “If the Chinese government could step forth, to talk and accept Dalai Lama’s plea, things would turn out to be very peaceful. However, if they postpone this, it will be very late I think.”
