Dharamsala: The Tibetan community of Swiss and Liechtenstein welcomed the 2nd September of 2017 with great jubilation as they celebrated the 57th Tibetan Democracy Day.

The celebratory day was graced with the presence of its chief guest Ven, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, including guests, Ven. Thupten Lekmon, Abbot of Rikon Monastery, Tibetan parliamentarians of Europe constituency Ven. Thubten Wangchen and Mr. Jampa Tsering Samdo, Mr. Ngodup Dorjee, Representative of the Office of Tibet and Mr. Tenzin, President of the Tibetan community of Swiss and Liechtenstein.

The program commenced with the procession ceremony of the portrait His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Honorable Speaker along with the guests offered mendela offerings for His Holiness’ long life, which is followed by the singing of Tibetan national anthem and the song of Tibetan democracy. After which, a minute of silence was observed to mourn for all the Tibetan martyrs who self-immolated for the greater cause of Tibet.

After the respective speeches of the revered guests of the occasion, Speaker Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel read out the statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and addressed the gathered public.

Like the saying, ’good things follow those that follow meritorious deeds or wise people ’, for all of us to gather here together at this moment is by the grace and legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. And from a Buddhist perspective, by the causal effects of things, since Tibetan nationality is connected to fate and meritorious actions,” he said.

He thanked the Tibetan community of Swiss and Liechtenstein on behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and extended his sincere gratitude as well.

This whole program concluded with the Speaker answering the questions posed by the public.