Richard Gere in Dharamshala: Tibetan Struggle is a 'Long Game' for Liberation
Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime ardent supporter of the Tibetan cause, delivered a powerful video message at the inaugural session of the Tibet Support Groups conference in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, on Saturday. Gere, who is also the Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet, emphasized that the Tibetan movement is not a short-term struggle but a profound and enduring "long game" aimed at universal liberation.
Gere's Message: A Universal Call for Freedom
In his address, Gere stated, "We are playing a long game here and the long game is that everyone is liberated, and that has been the power of this from the beginning. This is political for sure — social and cultural — but it's also universal." He highlighted the importance of impeccable motivation as the key to eventual victory, noting that success may not come immediately but is rooted in the Tibetan genius and experiment.
Gere referenced a recent "Walk for Peace" by Buddhist monks who completed a 15-week, 2,300-mile journey from Fort Worth to Washington, DC, last month. He shared, "I spoke to His Holiness about how moving it was to see 15 or so monks walking across America. In that journey — there were no Christians, there were no Buddhists, no Muslims, there were no Jains; it was just human beings, sentient beings, trying to figure out how to make life very aware of the suffering around us."
Concluding his message, Gere invoked the last words of Gautama Buddha, as per both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, urging to "tame our minds and walk on." He met the Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj on Friday, reinforcing his deep commitment to the cause.
Dharamshala Declaration: A Stand Against Chinese Interference
The conference, which started on March 7, saw over 100 members from 32 different countries adopt the "Dharamshala Declaration" on its first day. This declaration warns China against any attempt to interfere in the process of identifying the next Dalai Lama, stating that such actions constitute a grave violation of international norms and the fundamental right to freedom of religion.
The delegates called on governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to extend formal recognition to the Tibetan government-in-exile and engage with it diplomatically. Gere had to leave the conference early on Saturday morning due to flight schedule changes, but his message resonated strongly among attendees.
Prayer Service Honoring Tibetan Sacrifices
On Sunday, the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organized a prayer service to honor the sacrifices made by Tibetan protesters during the 1989 demonstrations against the Chinese government. In 1989, thousands of Tibetans took to the streets of Lhasa to express resentment against Chinese policies, marking the 30th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. Chinese authorities responded with martial law and opened fire on protesters, resulting in at least 70 deaths and numerous injuries.
During the ceremony, Sikyong Penpa Tsering stated that the gathering served as a tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for the rights and freedom of the Tibetan people, while expressing solidarity with their bereaved families. This event underscored the ongoing struggles and resilience of the Tibetan community in the face of adversity.
The conference and related events highlight the enduring global support for Tibetan autonomy and the cultural and political challenges faced by the Tibetan people. Richard Gere's involvement continues to bring international attention to these issues, framing them within a broader context of human rights and universal liberation.
