PRESS RELEASE: 19 July 2008
During the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in July, he suggested the formation of a Friendship Association between the Han Chinese and the Tibetans, to promote harmonious society. Based on this suggestion, Mr Tenzin Atisha, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, announced formation of the Friendship Association of Han Chinese and Tibetans on 6 July, during the celebration of the 73rd birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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- Australian Friendship Association
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- Friendship between Australian Han Chinese and Tibetans
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- Tibetan Chinese Raksha Bandhan in Manly
As a first step towards promoting more harmony, Mr Kamal Sarma, long time friend of both the Tibetans and the Chinese, initiated a meeting in Manly, a hub of tourism and social meeting places near Sydney, where Chinese and Tibetan community members who are supporters of the strengthening of relationships between the two communities, attended to exchange orange bands, which were tied on each others wrists to symbolise protection, friendship and harmony. This is based on an Indian tradition called Raksha Bandhan.
The winter day in Manly supplied glorious sunshine to set the scene for this warm gesture of sincerity from one community to the other. One step in a mutually beneficial journey, as friendship always is.
Further information:
Tenzin Gaden
President
Tibetan Community of Australia (NSW) Inc
Mobile: 0413 542 320