Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok Inaugurates Photo-framed Exhibition cum Panel Discussion on Cultural Revolution in Tibet

[Source: tibet.net]

Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok lighting the auspicious Tibetan butter lamp during the inauguration of the photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion at the Tibet Museum with Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo, DIIR. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok lighting the auspicious Tibetan butter lamp during the inauguration of the photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion at the Tibet Museum with Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo, DIIR. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR


DHARAMSHALA: Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) today inaugurated a photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion titled ‘Revisiting the Cultural Revolution in Tibet’ at the Tibet Museum, McLeod Ganj.

Other guests include Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary, DIIR, Mr Thubten Samphel, Director of Tibet Policy Institute, Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary of DIIR, Central Tibetan Administration.

The new photo exhibition documenting the cultural revolution in Tibet consists of 6 phases: the start of the revolution; Destruction of Jokhang Temple; the Struggle Session; Name Change; Creation of New God and Destruction of Monasteries.

Addressing the gathering, Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok said, “The exhibition highlights the cultural revolution in Tibet as it has been one of the worst failures since the formation of People’s Republic of China (PRC). They have decimated thousands of Tibetan monasteries and learning centres in Tibet.”

“However we have been able to revive most of the religious and cultural centres destroyed during the cultural revolution. Some of them have progressed into a much advanced learning centres,” he added.

Ms Tenzin Dhardon Sharling, Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Secretary for Information, in her address said that persecution of Tibetan culture, language and religion are still prevalent in Tibet, even after the end of the cultural revolution.

In his introductory remarks, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Director of Tibet Museum said, “When the cultural revolution ended in September 1976, more than 6,000 Tibetan monasteries and religious institutes were laid in ruins. Millions of ancient Buddhist manuscripts were burned and holy statues made of gold, silver and bronze were removed from the temples and shipped to China”.

Mrs Tsering Yangkyi, Additional Secretary, DIIR delivered the vote of thanks.
Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, Department of Religion and Culture and Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary, DIIR watching the exhibition at Tibet Museum on 28 October 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR[/caption]
Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok delivering speech during inauguration of photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion titled ‘Revisiting the Cultural Revolution in Tibet’ at the Tibet Museum on 28 October 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok delivering speech during inauguration of photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion titled ‘Revisiting the Cultural Revolution in Tibet’ at the Tibet Museum on 28 October 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR


Ms Tenzin Dhardon Sharling, Information Secretary of DIIR delivering speech at inauguration of photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion titled ‘Revisiting the Cultural Revolution in Tibet’ at the Tibet Museum on 28 October 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Ms Tenzin Dhardon Sharling, Information Secretary of DIIR delivering speech at inauguration of photo-framed exhibition cum panel discussion titled ‘Revisiting the Cultural Revolution in Tibet’ at the Tibet Museum on 28 October 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR