Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok visited Kasur Gyalo Dhondup (elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) at his residence in Kalimpong
Dharamsala: Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok gives talks on ‘Democracy and Unity’ in Gangtok (Sikkim) and Kalimpong (West Bengal), organized by the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT).
After successfully completing the programs at Darjeeling, Sonada, and Ravangla, Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok reached Gangtok on 11 November. He visited Rumtek Monastery earlier that day and later at 2 pm, he gave a talk on ‘Democracy and Unity’, which started with a welcome speech by Gangtok Settlement Officer Ms. Migyur Youdon, followed by speech of President of National Democratic Party of Tibet Mr. Tseten Norbu, explaining background, objective, and benefits of or organizing the talk.
Deputy Speaker started his talk by elucidating the general public on the evolution of democracy, its origin, different policies, and features. The evolution of the Tibetan democratic polity has been possible because of the blessing and farsighted vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
He further advised the public to follow and exercise the 27 laws, rules and regulations enacted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in a truly democratic way, as per the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok at Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok
He emphasized the exiled Tibetans to look up to the Tibetans inside Tibet who have been protesting fearlessly against the repressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the last 60 years and make a collective effort for the common cause of Tibet.
In addition to that, he spoke on the importance of following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice in preserving Tibetan culture, language, religion, and moral values.
Like wise, Deputy Speaker also advised the public to follow the example set from the hard works of elder Tibetan generation and from the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in setting the direction for the Tibetan struggle and in preserving Tibetan culture.
He further spoke on the importance of understanding the concept of democracy with pure intention and enthusiasm, which constitutes the base for unity.
Deputy Speaker giving a talk on ‘ Democracy and Unity’ to the people of Kalimpong
“Democratic system is a system of political science, and especially a system for the administration of the government,” said the Deputy Speaker. He further added, “Democracy is not just about casting of vote or fighting for rights or commemoration of occasions, but democracy is taking responsibility and exercising power in accordance with the laws and regulation.”
He concluded his talk with how democracy functions with different philosophies and policies, like liberalism and socialism that are practiced in more than 170 democratic countries of the world.
On 12 November, the Deputy Speaker visited monasteries in Gangtok and then set off to Kalimpong, West Bengal, where he was warmly received by Settlement Officer Ms. Tenzin Dadon and other local dignitaries.
The next day, he visited Kasur Gyalo Dhondup (elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and his Thukpa (noodle) factory.
Thereafter, Deputy Speaker addressed the above-mentioned topic to the people of Kalimpong and answered questions asked by them.
Finally, he visited the old age home of Kalimpong.
Deputy Speaker along with Settlement officer visiting old age home of Kalimpong
Deputy Speaker along with Settlement officer visiting noodle factory of Kasur Gyalo Dhondup at Kalimpong
Deputy Speaker addressing scattered Tibetan community of Gangtok
Deputy Speaker addressing scattered Tibetan community of Kalimpong
Deputy Speaker with the settlement officer, local dignitaries and scattered Tibetan community of Gangtok
