Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Residents Hold Peace March Urging Bharat Ratna for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Tawang, 24th July 2025: In a powerful and deeply emotional show of unity, the All Tawang District Students’ Union (ATDSU), in collaboration with the monastic community, senior citizens, public leaders, and youth organizations of Monyul, organized a Peace March on Wednesday, appealing to the Government of India to confer the Bharat Ratna—India’s highest civilian honour—on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso).

The march began from Cham-leng near Tawang Monastery and culminated at Buddha Park, drawing wide participation from monks of various monasteries, students, local residents, senior leaders, and scholars. The event reflected the deep historical and spiritual bond between the Dalai Lama and the people of Tawang and the larger Monpa community.

Speaking on the occasion, the organizers emphasized, “For the people of Monyul, His Holiness is not just a religious leader but a moral guide, cultural torchbearer, and our eternal spiritual father.”

The presence of respected figures including His Eminence Shedling Tulku Thupten Tender Rinpoche la, Dr. Rikya Lhavoe Rinpoche, Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey, and Sh. Lhundup Choesang, added a sacred dimension to the gathering. Marchers carried peace slogans, prayer flags, and banners expressing gratitude to the Dalai Lama and urging recognition for his lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, and spiritual values.

The ATDSU highlighted that the relationship between Tawang and the Dalai Lama dates back to the 17th century, when the 5th Dalai Lama authorized the establishment of the Tawang Monastery in 1680. His Holiness entered India through Tawang in 1959 while fleeing Tibet, and the Monpa people were the first to receive him with open arms.

“Over the past six decades, His Holiness has lived in India as a humble monk and a proud son of this country,” the organizers said. “His contributions to India’s global image—through his advocacy of compassion, interfaith dialogue, and Nalanda-based wisdom—are unparalleled.”

Despite receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and numerous international accolades, the Bharat Ratna has not yet been conferred on him. “It is time for India, his spiritual home, to correct this historic oversight,” the Union stated.

The march culminated with a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recommend His Holiness’s name to the President of India for the Bharat Ratna. “This will not only honour one of India’s most noble residents but also reaffirm India’s commitment to timeless values of truth, humility, and peace,” the statement added.

The ATDSU expressed gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and monasteries who helped make the march peaceful and impactful. The Union pledged to continue its advocacy through democratic and constitutional means until this “long-overdue recognition” is granted.