The Tibetan Community in Belgium celebrated the conferment anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama under the stewardship of the 9th committee members on Saturday, 9th December, in Antwerpen, the most Tibetan populated city in Belgium.
Secretary Thinley Wangdue of the Office of Tibet Brussels and Tibetan Community President Palden Tsering led the train of well-wishers offering scarves and mandrel offerings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait. The Tibetan Community Sunday School, Sherab Nangjey lead by artist Gen Norbu Tsering la, presented the Tibetan National Anthem and Nobel Peace Prize song. A minute’s silence was observed for the sacrifice of Tibetans for Tibet.
Palden Tsering, President of the Tibetan Community, gave a brief introductory speech where he touched on two important upcoming programs; namely election of the 10th Belgium Tibetan Community Executive Members. Current executive member’s tenure ends on 6th July 2024. If any candidate is interested, he/she must have to register their name to the Tibetan Community Association by end of the March, 2024 and final election will be held in mid April before handing over takes places in July, 2024. Secondly, he highlighted about the vision and mission of buying a Tibetan Community Hall for which he requested each and every individual to contribute their one- or two-month’s salary as seed fund for the community project.
Thupten Phelgye, president of RTYC Belgium addressed about the role of Tibetan youths in shouldering the Tibetan freedom struggle and on behalf of RTYC Belgium, he handed over one thousand Euros each to the two Tibetan Weekend schools in Belgium.
Secretary Thinley recalled the joyous occasion and briefed about how His Holiness the Dalai Lama dedicated his whole life to the Tibetan freedom since his tender age. Noble Committees decision to bestow the Peace Prize to His Holiness is the pride of Tibetans. He implored the public to reaffirm their commitment to dedicate their life to Tibet’s freedom. “As much as we celebrate the day with joy and inspiration that it gives us, we must also re-dedicate ourselves to fulfil the wishes of His Holiness and bring fruition to the aspirations of our brethren in Tibet”, he added.
Secretary Thinley then gave away the certificates to the former executive members and teachers of the Sherab Nangchey Weekend School of Tibetan Community Association.
The celebration was followed by number of cultural songs and Tibetan circle dance (Gorshe).
