'World Tibet Day in Chennai'
(Newindpress.com | July 7, 2005)

MR Hubert of Friends of Tibet (India) addressing the gathering on July 6, 2005

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Over 40 Tibetan students from the city came together to celebrate the 70th birthday of their leader Dalai Lama, here on Wednesday.

The celebration was organised by MR Hubert, who is the secretary of Friends of Tibet, a body that congregates Tibetan students living in Chennai. The celebration at Hubert's home, near Kodambakkam, started off with a Tibetan prayer, praying for the long life of the Dalai Lama. Students then sang praises of their land. A group song dedicated to the soldiers fighting in the Himalayas, a song in praise of the Dalai Lama, and other Tibetan numbers conveying the message that they wish to get back to their land, was the highlight of the simple event.

"It is important to remember the issue we are still fighting for. Let us hope that at least next year, we are able to celebrate our leader's birthday in Tibet," said Pema Yangchan, a student. Urging all Tibetans to be united, Nyima, a Tibetan student, thanked the hospitality extended to them by Indians.

"There are over 25 members in the society and most of them have left to Dharmashala to celebrate the leader's birthday," said Hubert. There are over 150 Tibetan students, who are planning to have a bigger celebration at Mahabalipuram this weekend.

'World Tibet Day' was observed in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on July 6, 2005.