Tibetan PM lauds efforts of arts institute for preserving ancient traditions

Tibet's PrimeMinister-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, has lauded efforts of the Tibetan

Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) for preserving ancient traditions while presiding over a cultural programme in Dharamsala.

TIPA celebrated its 56th founding anniversary by holding a cultural performance that saw a contest between its two houses, Ngonpa and Gyallu.

Sangay along with ministers and lawmakers graced the occasion where artistes performed traditional dance, song and music to entertain the audience.

The competition was tied with both houses scoring 255 points.

"It is an effort on our part to preserve Tibetan culture - (ancient) Tibetan culture, folklore and tradition. So, I think, we are proud that Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) has been doing a very god job," said Sangay.

TIPA is the only official organization that works for the preservation and promotion of traditional arts. The artists travel widely around the world showcasing Tibet's unique culture and traditions.

TIPA, which was founded in 1959 by the Dalai Lama, dedicated whole competition to the 80th birth anniversary of the Dalai Lama.

"The whole competition is dedicated to the 80th birth anniversary of his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama," said TIPA secretary, Tenzin Lhaksam.

About 134,000 Tibetans live in exile, the vast majority in India and Nepal. Their exiled government is situated in Dharamsala.

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule.

China routinely rejects criticism of its policies in Tibet, saying its rule ended serfdom and brought development to a backward, poverty-stricken region.

Beijing says the Dalai Lama is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" who seeks to use violent methods to establish an independent Tibet. The Dalai Lama denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.