Central Tibetan Administration greets India on Independence

The Central Tibetan Administration greeted the people of India on their 70th Independence Day here today.
Officiating Sikyong (PM), Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok of Department of Religion and Culture hoisted the tricolour, marking the 70th anniversary of India's Independence at a ceremony held at the Kashag secretariat in Dharamshala.
"On this special occasion of the 70th anniversary of the independence of India, I would like to convey hearty greetings and many good wishes to all the people of India, especially to the people of Himachal Pradesh, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Tibetan people at large," Kalon said in his greetings at the ceremony.

The brief ceremony was attended by members of the Kashag and secretaries and senior officials of all the departments.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay has left on a ten-day official visit to Delhi and New York starting from August 11.
"On this auspicious occasion, we are extremely grateful to the Indian government and the Indian people for their continued support, understanding and cooperation on the Tibetan issue," Kalon said.

"We have gone a long way with your kind support. We are keeping still the same spirit of keeping our religion, culture and the cause of Tibet alive. One day, we strongly believe that, with your kind support and cooperation, we will be successful in our pursuit," he said, extending heartfelt gratitude to the people and the government of India.

Following the ceremony, Finance Kalon (Minister) Karma Yeshi, Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Member of the Tibetan Parliament Lopoen Thupten Gyaltsen, Tibetan Settlement Officer Dawa Rinchen and Secretaries of various departments of CTA attended the official Independence Day celebrations hosted by the local Indian administrative office at the Police Ground in lower Dharamshala.
CTA is an organisation based in India with the stated goals of "rehabilitating Tibetan refugees and restoring freedom and happiness in Tibet". It is also referred to as the Tibetan Government in Exile.