Members of the Tibetan community in Belgium celebrating the 64th Tibetan Democracy Day in Antwerp.
By — Shyamal Sinha
On September 2, 2024, Tibetan communities in exile around the world celebrated Tibetan Democracy Day, marking 64 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama established a democratic system for the Tibetan people. This significant day was observed at various Tibetan community centres, with special festivities taking place in India, Nepal, and in other countries hosting Tibetan associations.
In Dharamshala, the leadership of the Tibetan community in exile commemorated the occasion alongside a parliamentary delegation from Estonia. Meanwhile, Tibetan settlements and community centres across India, Nepal, and beyond held their own events, coming together to express their profound gratitude to His Holiness for the invaluable gift of democracy.
Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, Thinley Wangdue, cutting a ceremonial cake to mark the 64th Tibetan Democracy Day in Antwerp.
Likewise, in Antwerp, Belgium, the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association organised a celebration in the presence of Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, Thinley Wangdue; EU Advocacy Officer, Tenzin Phuntsok; Accountant of the Bureau du Tibet, Tenzin Norden; presidents of the associations of Cholka-sum (the three traditional provinces of Tibet); and representatives from the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and regional Tibetan People’s Movement for Middle Way Approach.
The celebration featured traditional performances by the Tibetan students of the Sherab Nangje Weekend School and a recitation of poem on Tibetan Democracy Day by its former student, Metok.
Simultaneously, the staff from the Bureau du Tibet seized the occasion to gather voluntary contributions from Tibetans who had yet to make their contributions following the recent amnesty. They also used this opportunity to assist with the issuance, re-issuance, and correction of Green Books.
Staff from the Bureau du Tibet collecting the Tibetan voluntary contributions from the celebrants.
