Date: 7th August, 2008

At around 11 in the morning, a small spark was ignited when around 5000 Tibetans of all ages and from different walks of life started their peace march from Rajghat to Jantar Mantar. It was highly fitting as Rajghat is a final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, personification of peace, the messiah of the down trodden who with his 'Salt March' started a non-violent march, peaceful movement which stopped the colonial Juggernaut of the British Empire. Keeping the "Mahatma" and his ideals in their minds, 5000 high spirited souls walked on their path laid down by him, a movement had restarted. Under the scorching sun, the mass including elderly and a handicap swaying forward covering the distance of 5 kms, marching briskly, chanting slogans denouncing the Chinese regime, seeking support from the world and raising a cry for truth, for justice to Boycott Olympics, for Free Tibet which is rightfully theirs. Braving the heat and the added humidity, the mass after marching for four long hours reached their destination Jantar Mantar, the stage where democracy dances. Here, a sizeable crowd had already gathered to welcome the marchers.

The place was brimming with energy, a very pure, sacred energy from the aspirations of thousands of Tibetans who had gathered to initiate the Mass Movement. The function started exactly at 2 with a prayer for the fallen martyrs of Tibet and especially for the one's who laid their lives down since 10th March this year. The chief guest of the day was Mr. Yashwant Sinha, the former Finance and External Affairs Minister of India and a present parliamentarian. Mr. Anil Gupta, a leader in the BJP from Delhi and Mr. Sanjay Paswan who is also an ex-union Minister. Along with them personnel from important print and electronic media were also present to cover this historic event with great prominence. As according to custom the Tibetan National Anthem, Indian National Anthem and a minute's silence was observed for the martyrs of Tibet.

Mr. Tsewang Rigzin, the president of the TYC from the dias elaborated the programme of the TYC for the People's Mass Movement. Expressing his gratitude to everyone, he read the press statement released on this day. He stressed on the most important aspect of the movement that is Gandhi's non-violent Satyagraha. It was a wake-up call to China as well as the world that Tibetans had risen and the goals would be attained however the circumstances. Mr. Rigzin also stated TYC's outlook towards the Olympics as being not against the spirit of the Games but focussed on truth, justice and freedom for Tibet, as well as for the Chinese. China has shattered the hopes of everyone including IOC who believed that granting Beijing the chance to host 2008 Olympics will improve it human rights situation.

The BJP member from Delhi Mr. Anil Gupta started his speech with a slogan, "tibbat ko azad karo". He compared the pain that Indians and Tibetans have in common; the former was fettered in the chains of slavery while the latter is still languishing as a slave. With quotes from the Ramayana, he affirmed the pain a person feels from being detached from one's own homeland. The fact that heavy restrictions imposed by China have adversely affected the Indian devotees who make their pilgrimage to Kailash-Mansarovar which was not there when Tibet was Free. The occupation of Tibet has got rid of the buffer zone bringing an imminent threat closer to India. He concluded by encouraging that the Indian people as well as the whole world community are with the Tibetans.

Mr. Yashwant Sinha indulged the hopelessness which was felt when China was awarded the right to host the Summer Olympics and India didn't oppose it. As China is the biggest perpetrator of Human Rights abuses it is a travesty of justice, that Olympics are going to be held in China. The significant statement he proclaimed was that a March to Tibet in September through Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh to be participated by Tibetans and supporters alike will be organised. He reminded everyone that our spirits are indestructible unlike the external self which can be destroyed. The future after the Olympics looks bleak and China will replicate violence that it is unleashing in Tibet, throughout the world when it assumes world dominance. Mr. Sanjay Paswan reiterated there is a conflict between Gandhi and Mao and Gandhi will emerge victorious, infusing us with confidence. It was followed by a highly charged skit performed by members of Delhi Samyeling regional chapter of TYC describing the Chinese brutalities in Tibet since 1959. After holding a brief prayer session, the day ended with a candle light vigil which was summed up by inspirational speeches from Tibet's long time supporters Mr. Rajiv Vora and Mr. Vijay Kranti.

With the glorious sun beaming its warm rays infusing us with courage, determination and a new vigor so did this second phase of the Tibetan People's Mass Movement infuse a renewed energy and a passion in the hearts of every Tibetan to take their struggle to a level where their dream of an independent Tibet is realised. It also sends a strong message to China that Tibetans are united in their cause. Truth and justice will prevail and China must realise, sooner the better.