Losar belongs to Tibet. Losar belongs to the Tibetan people. No one can steal it from us.
I live in a foreign land where Tibetan festivals hold no immediate meaning. Struggling onto crowded subways each morning and each night, avoiding the empty gaze of strangers, the ground I walk upon is many seas and skies away from my mountainous home. So why should I celebrate Losar? The real New Year is already past, any way. Well, the answer is simple: No matter where I live, I am Tibetan, and if I don't celebrate my own tradition, who will?
It has become clear that Chinese authorities have been encouraging Tibetans in certain parts of Tibet to celebrate Losar, even handing out cash for fireworks in some cases. Understandably, this pathetic attempt by China to hijack Losar has angered Tibetans, some of whom may have decided to skip Losar in a knee-jerk reaction.
To celebrate Losar just because China tells us to do so - that's a mistake. Likewise, to skip Losar just because China tells us to celebrate it - that's also a mistake. Our tradition should not be relegated to a mere reaction - equal or opposite - to China's demands. China should have no say in how we practice our tradition. We Tibetans must proactively decide whether, when, where and how to observe Losar.
Zurich (Switzerland), from April 9th till April 11th, 2010
Over the past few years, the Tibetan community in Europe has grown steadily. Today there are about 7’000 in about 20 countries. It is extremely important that the Tibetan youth have the opportunity to come together and talk about Tibetan politics, culture and society. On the 40th anniversary of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe, the first Tibetan Youth Parliament will be held in Zurich. The purpose of the conference is to strengthen the political awareness and build a network of young Tibetans who are committed to the future of Tibet. We are honoured and fortunate that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address this important conference. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s presence emphasizes the importance of the political engagement of young Tibetans in Europe. We must rise up to this challenge. We are the future of Tibet. We are Tibet!
