By Tenzin Chokyi

DHARAMSALA 15 Aug: The Central Tibetan Administration(CTA) celebrated the 78th anniversary of India’s independence by&nbs...DHARAMSALA 15 Aug: The Central Tibetan Administration(CTA) celebrated the 79th anniversary of India’s independence by hoisting the tricolored Indian national flag at its headquarters in Dharamshala today,  extending heartfelt congratulations to the people and the government of India on behalf of Tibetans both inside occupied Tibet and in exile.

Officiating President and Education Minister Tharlam Dolma hoisted the flag as CTA officials, including Kashag members and senior administrators, sang the Indian national anthem at a brief ceremony held at the Kashag Secretariat here in Dharamsala.

The officiating President expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for giving refuge to the Tibetan people during their mass exodus following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. 

She highlighted that this act of generosity came at a time when India itself was grappling with immense challenges in building the nation after independence. She acknowledged India’s enduring support, which allowed thousands of Tibetans to rebuild their lives in exile while preserving their identity, culture, and aspirations for freedom.

“We lost our nation and were forced to flee in 1959, just twelve years after India gained its independence. Despite being a young nation facing immense challenges on all fronts, India welcomed us with open arms. It is only through their generosity that Tibetans now live in exile with the ability to preserve our history, language, and culture, ”officiating President Dolma said at the press briefing.