The Freedom Torch Relay has finished!

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Freedom Torch Completes its Journey in Ladakh »

The Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay came to a close in Leh, Ladakh, on August 8th, as the Beijing Olympics began. An inspiring account of its last journey below. The relay began on March 10th, 2008, on the very day that, unbeknownst to organizers, the first day of mass peaceful protest in Tibet that would lead to an uprising throughout Tibet’s three provinces began. After traveling around the world and being hosted by dozens of Tibetans and Tibet supporters, the torch’s journey has come to an end. But the spirit and determination of Tibetans and all concerned people of conscience to carry the light of freedom and justice forward until the occupation of Tibet is resolved will continue.To help keep the issue of Tibet alive even after the Olympics finish, please send a letter to Chinese president Hu Jintao and write a letter to your Prime Minister or President now, telling them that you are counting on them to take strong action for Tibet even after the Olympic spotlight fades.

More than 2500 Ladakhis & Tibetans take part in Freedom Torch relay

Ladakh saw one of the biggest gatherings ever on 8th August when Tibetan Freedom Torch arrived at this autonomous hill region. A mass gathering and a procession rally was organised by Himalayan Committee for Action of Tibet (HIMCAT) in association with Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association. 2500 Tibetans and Ladakhis took part in the Freedom Torch relay.

The day began at 8 am at Spituk monastery where Jhangtse Choejhe Rah Rinpoche, who will become the next Gaden Tripa, the highest gelug lineage holder, lighted the torch and carried it till outside of the Spituk monastery and handed over to Chapche Khenpo Rinpoche of Thiktse Monastery. Then many eminent figures of Ladakh Hill Region such as the head of Ladakh Buddhist Association (Retd DIG) Mr. Lobsang Rinchen, Ven. Choedak of Ladakh Gonpa Association, Singer and actor Mr. Phonsok Ladakhi, President HIMCAT Mr. Tashi Dhargye Dembir, Executive Councillor of Health Mr. Dorjee Mgodup, Executive Councillor for Forest Mr. Mohd. Khan and Mr. Nazir, President Ladakh Muslim Association along with many scholars and prominent citizens carried the torch throughout Leh Bazaar.

The relay culminated at Polo Ground and many of them gave very inspiring and emotional speeches relating the two communities of Tibetans and Ladakhis who share a common cultural heritage.

On behalf of all the Tibetans in Ladakh region, Mr. Chemi of RTYC gave a very inspiring speech both in Tibetan and Ladakhi.

The oath ceremony delivered by Jhangtse Choejhe Rah Rinpoche was an emotional sight to been seen, people repeating it with choked voice and moistened eyes. The oath was translated into Tibetan/Ladakhi language. That is why emotion was pouring from everybody’s heart.

Every Ladakhi was saluting and paying great tribute to the Tibetans inside Tibet who are facing harsh and inhuman atrocities at the hands of the Chinese government, and their hope and support in the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is unparalleled.

HIMCAT members were particularly happy that the torch, on its last leg in India, was brought to Ladakh on the border of occupied Tibet. They are enthusiastic and optimistic that one day they will carry the same torch into a Free Tibet starting the torch journey from Ladakh.

Phonsok Ladakhi’s Uprising Song ‘Longsho‘ literally inspired the whole crowd to get up and say ‘Bodme tso longsho‘.