CTA Initiates Thank you India Program at Kozhikode, Kerala

KOZHIKODE, Kerala: As a mark of gratitude to the People and Government of India for their generous hospitality and continuous support, the Central Tibetan Administration initiated a three-day ‘Thank You India’ program at Kozhidode, Kerala from 11 – 13 September 2016.

The inaugural ceremony of ‘Thank you India’ program was held on the occasion of Onam festival at Malabar Palace, Kozhikode in Kerala. Chief guest of the ceremony Dr M K Muneer, MLA and former Minister for Social Welfare, inaugurated the program by lighting the traditional butter lamp. Other guests present at the event were Shri Jaya Prakash Urs, Regional Convener of Southern region, Dr Anoope Anandayogi, President, India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS) Kozhikode, M Iqbal Khan, General Secretary of ITFS, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Director of Tibet Museum and staff of India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO).

In his opening remarks, Director Tashi Phuntsok of Tibet Museum conveyed the significance of the program and its objectives. “The Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people from all across India would like to express our deepest gratitude to the People and Government of India for the generous hospitality and continuous support for over 50 years. Due to wholehearted support and generosity of Indian government, Tibetans in exile have been enabled to preserve and celebrate their unique identity, culture and practice their religion. Hence, on the auspicious occasion of Onam festival in Kerala, we are holding three days ‘Thank You India’ program at the Malabar Palace,“ he said.

Expressing concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet, Dr Anoope Anandayogi, President, ITFS Kozhikode strongly voiced against the illegal mining and environmental destruction in Tibet.

Chief guest Dr M K Muneer, MLA and former Minister for Social Welfare underlined the significant contributions made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama towards world peace and humanity. The former minister also expressed his support for His Holiness’ Middle Way Approach as the only realistic solution to resolve the issue of Tibet and pledged to raise Tibet in the upcoming parliament session.

The public talk was followed by cultural performance by students of Tibetan Youth Hostel, Bengaluru. The first day program featured rare photo exhibition on ‘Indo-Tibet Relations’ and ‘Current Situation inside Tibet’, including a documentary film screening and a free medical camp by the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute.

The program is being organized by Indo Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS) Calicut in coordination with the Tibet Museum, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the India Tibet Coordination (ITCO) based in New Delhi.