Guwahati, Assam, November 20, 2024 – The 13th Tawang Tirth Yatra 2024 – Tiranga Phar Kailash Mansarovar was inaugurated on November 19, 2024, at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati. Organized by Assam Prant, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Yatra’s history, symbolizing the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of India and Tibet.

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Indresh Kumar, Senior RSS Pracharak and Patron of BTSM, who officially flagged off the Yatra on November 20, 2024. Around 275 enthusiastic participants from 23 Indian states embarked on the week-long journey to Tawang, reflecting the collective will of the Indian people to support the Tibetan cause.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by vibrant Assamese cultural performances, including the iconic Bihu dance. An emotional rendition of Lachitar Ahban, accompanied by traditional Assamese musical instruments, set a patriotic tone. The session was presided over by Shri Indresh Kumar, patron, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, Tibetan Member of Parliament Tsering Dolma, Rabindra Raji Ji, Secretary BJP, Samme and Tripura, Ahri Kailash Sarma, President, BTSM Assam, Urvashi Mahanta, Executive National BTSM, Dr. Bikul Das, World Famous Medical Scientise, USA, Shri Rinchen Khando Khrimay, former MP, Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Bichan Kr. Singha, General Secretary, BTSM, Assam Prant, and Gonpo Dhondup, President, Tibetan Youth Congress.

During the ceremony, Tibetan Member of Parliament Tsering Dolma, presented the Hindi edition of the autobiography of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, “Mera Desh, Mere Deshwasi” (My Land and My People) to Shri Indresh Kumar. The presentation was supported by Tashi Dekyi, Coordinator, ITCO, DIIR, CTA.

Tibetan member of Parliament Tsering Dolma addressed the gathering, passionately highlighting the plight of Tibetans under CCP rule: “The CCP’s Colonial Boarding School Policy is aimed at assimilating Tibetans. I appeal to the Government of India to be the voice of Tibetans. The Indo-Tibet border is a fact, and the Tibet conflict is intrinsically linked to India’s national interests. Upon the resolution of the Tibet conflict, there will be true bhaichara (brotherhood) between India and Tibet.”

She further emphasized the urgency of resolving the Tibet issue as H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday.

 

Shri Pankaj Goyal, National General Secretary of BTSM, spoke about BTSM’s journey over 25 years. “BTSM has tirelessly worked to unify and amplify Tibet’s voice globally. We urge everyone to boycott Chinese products—not just refuse to buy them, but also prevent their sale. This Yatra is not merely the voice of 300 yatris; it represents the voice of 1.45 billion Indians when we say, ‘Chin ki Sima Chini Diwar, baki sab Kabza Hai’ (China’s only legitimate boundary is the Great Wall, the rest is occupied territory).”

Shri Rinchen Khando Khrimay, former MP, Arunachal Pradesh highlighted Tibet’s historical and cultural ties with India:

“The 1962 resolution in the Indian Parliament recognized India’s commitment to resolving the illegal occupation of Tibet by the CCP. The 1960 Tibet Convention, led by Jayprakash Narayan in Calcutta, marked the beginning of India’s dialogue on Tibet. Unfortunately, after the Panchsheel Agreement, while China prepared for the 1962 war, India was caught unawares.”

Shri Indresh Kumar, in his address, reflected on BTSM’s mission: “BTSM began with the slogan ‘Tibbat ki Azadi’ (Freedom for Tibet). When asked about China’s global dominance, I shared an old story: ‘An ant entered an elephant’s ear, and the elephant died.’ Truth, no matter how small, can overcome any challenge. The Tawang Yatra represents that truth.”

He also reminisced about his visit to Dharamshala 25 years ago, where he witnessed the authenticity of the Tibetan movement and affirmed that the sacred Kailash Mansarovar should be accessible to all without a passport.

The Yatra commenced from Guwahati, will progress through Mongaldai, Rowta, Bomdila, and Sela Pass, before reaching Tawang. The 13th Tawang Tirth Yatra 2024 stands as a powerful statement of India’s enduring support for Tibet and its commitment to fostering peace and justice in the region.

Report by India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO)