His Holiness the Dalai Lama (C) receives a Gold Medal as an expression of Tibetan people's gratitude in recognition on his remarkable initiatives and encouragement in carrying out far-reaching democratic reforms in the exile Tibetan community. The award was presented by Speaker (L) and Deputy Speaker (R) of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile/Photo by Drubgyue Nyima

Dharamshala: A grand ceremony to celebrate this historic milestone was organised by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile at Lugsum Samdupling Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe in South Indian state of Karnataka.

During the ceremony, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile honoured His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a Gold Medal as an expression of the Tibetan people's deep gratitude for bestowing upon them the gift of democracy.

His Holiness thanked to the Tibetan people for honouring him out of genuine happiness and devotion.

Around 17 members of parliament from some 13 countries joined the Tibetan people in celebrating the democracy day.

Expressing his gratitude to the foreign dignitaries, His Holiness said the support from the international community has greatly encouraged the Tibetan people in their struggle for truth and justice.

Your support has immensely helped the people of the international community to get a better understanding and knowledge about the issue of Tibet, His Holiness said.

It has also contributed for raising the awareness of the Chinese people living inside China about the reality of the Tibetan issue, despite the strict restriction imposed by the government on the flow of information, he said.

I hope the wholehearted efforts of the international community to support the issue of Tibet will definitely bear fruit, he added.

In its statement, the Kashag said a meaningful and genuine Tibetan democratic polity in exile has been established under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Kashag said whatever accomplishments we have been able to achieve in attaining greater freedom in terms of rule of law and democracy is all due to the efforts made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Kashag gave a detailed account of various far-reaching democratic reforms initiated and encouraged by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said 50 years of successful democratic process in the exile Tibetan community has fully exposed the Chinese government for deluding the international community by lying and leveling groundless accusations against His Holiness the Dalai Lama of reviving feudal society.

On the upcoming elections of Kalon Tripa and members of parliament, it said every individual should use his or her own discretion and must not be influenced by other's opinion to elect Kalon Tripa and members of parliament.

In Dharamsala, Cabinet Secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration presided over the democracy day function at the main Buddhist temple.

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