‘Save Tibet,’ ‘stop genocide in Tibet,’ ‘stop dumping nuclear waste in Tibet,’ ‘release Tulku Tenzin Delek,’ ‘respect and obey international laws’ and many more demands of Tibetans were written on the yellow shirts worn by the Tibetan nationals residing in Mangalore protesting for a free Tibet. They held a cycle rally on Tuesday demanding Chinese aggressors to put an end to the atrocities they have been posing on Tibetans for so long along with other demands such as complete Independence for Tibet, to put an end to the violation of basic human rights and cultural genocide in Tibet, immediate release of 11th Penchen Lama and other political prisoners and not to hold Olympics in China till Tibet is freed.
The rally was flagged off by Member of Legislative Council Capt Ganesh Karnik near Saibeen Complex who expressing complete support and solidarity to the cause that the Tibetans were fighting for, said that Indians have not done enough for Tibetans with regard to their struggle.
“India needs to be more assertive and pro-active to ensure that the cause that Tibetans are fighting for is materialised. India, which is the land where Buddha and Gandhi took birth must protect and support Tibetans who are the followers of Buddhism and lovers of peace and tranquillity,” he said.
He called upon the Tibetan youth studying in Mangalore to excel in their academics and come out on a world forum to stand for their nation and make their voice heard and create public opinion the way Dalai Lama has been doing for so long.
Though the rally was staged by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, it began with Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana followed by Tibetan national anthem.
The protesters then garlanded Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and shouted out ‘Bharath Matha Ki Jai’ several times, pointing at the love and affection they have for India, which is their second home. The sense of love for the land that embraced them after they were compelled to leave their own motherland was seen in every eye at the programme.
RTYC President Ngawang Thokmey addressing the gathering in Tibetan language said that Chinese aggression and the pangs that Tibetans have been going through has not weakened them at all.   Vice-President Tenzin Dukpa addressed the gathering in Kannada.