President of CTA Dr Lobsang Sangay Initiates 40th International Museum Day Event

Dharamshala: President of Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay initiated a two day event organised by the DIIR Tibet Museum to celebrate the 40^th International Museum Day.

The inauguration was attended by Tibet Museum Director, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, former political prisoner, Ven. Bhagdro along with class 8 students of the Tibetans Children Village and representatives of Tibetan non-governmental organisations based in Dharamshala.

President Dr Lobsang Sangay inaugurated the two day event being held from 18 to 19 May with the lighting of the Tibetan butter lamp. The two day event includes guided tour of the museum, talks and lectures on Tibetan history, culture, global significance of the Tibetan Plateau, gender equality and the 11^th Panchen Rinpoche. The two day event also incorporates documentary movie screenings on Tibet.

President Lobsang Sangay said that the Tibet Museum remains one of the most powerful mediums in preserving the rich cultural heritage and political narrative of the Tibetan struggle and called on Tibetans, particularly those still in schools and colleges to call on others, tourists, to visit the Tibet Museum to gain a deeper insight into the Tibetan political struggle and life of Tibetans in exile.

“The Chinese Government is trying hard to eradicate the Tibetan Culture and preventing Tibetans from returning to their homeland. The Tibet Museum therefore provides proof, spreads awareness and reminds us of the existence of our culture and the plight of Tibetans under the Chinese rule”, President said.

Director of the Tibet Museum, Mr Tashi Phuntsok in his address talked about the Tibet museum being a treasury of information and photos which depict Tibet’s culture, religion, history and the plight of Tibetans under Chinese rule. He mentioned the significance of the Tibet Museum, being, to spread awareness, to the tourists who visit and the Tibetan public, and to enhance their knowledge on the Tibet issue and also to amplify the Tibetan political narrative.

The two day event will conclude on 19 May with Tibetan Cultural Performance by the students of Mewoen Tsuglag Peteon Model School and closing address by Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Deputy Speaker of 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.