Dharamsala, Dec 10 (IANS): Thousands of Tibetans and supporters on Thursday virtually celebrated the 31st anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on the Dalai Lama, the globetrotting elderly monk.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), led by Lobsang Sangay, extended greetings to the Tibetan people, friends and supporters around the globe.
"For over six decades, His Holiness' commitment to peace and emphasis on inculcating compassion, tolerance and kindness, and efforts to promote religious harmony and ethics based on universal values continue to pave the way for a just society," it said in a statement.
"As one the world's most beloved leader, His Holiness' tireless initiatives to usher in a more peaceful world have, in turn, garnered support for the Tibet cause globally."
Today is also the Human Rights Day, it said. In the case of Tibet, the repressive policies of the Chinese government continue to trample upon the Tibetan people's fundamental rights enshrined in its constitution and the Law on Regional National Autonomy.
Since 2009, 154 Tibetans have self-immolated and they have given up their lives to call for the fundamental freedom in Tibet.
In November, the President of the CTA formally visited the White House and met with the officials of Asia related issues and staff members from both the President and the Vice President's Office.
"The visit to the State Department and the White House is historic and we thank the US government for its continued support to our just cause," said the CTA.
The Chinese government must realize that it cannot continue casting a blind eye to the sentiments and aspirations of the Tibetan people in Tibet. The genuine solution for Tibet can only be met by dialogue through the 'middle-way approach', it said.
Expressing gratitude to the people and the government of India for their continued support to the Tibetan people for over 60 years in exile, the CTA prayed for the long and healthy life of the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan exile administration is based in this hill town.