Miss TibetTenzing Lhamo donates prize money for Tibetan activism
The new Miss Tibet 2013 Tenzing Lhamo was crowned in a simple coronation ceremony in Bangalore. Outgoing Miss Tibet Tenzin Yangkyi passed on the crown, while the Director Lobsang Wangyal sashed her Miss Tibet 2013 and handed her the prize money of one lakh rupees (2000 USD approx).
The event started with compere Tenzin Youdon asking the audience to observe a minute’s silence to honour and pay homage to the brave and selfless Tibetan heroes. It was in the morning of this day that the 100th Tibetan self-immolated in Kathmandu, Nepal, protesting against the repressive Chinese policies in Tibet.
Tenzing Lhamo gave a moving speech in both Tibetan and English accepting the title. She took the opportunity to highlight the ongoing wave of self-immolations in Tibet.
“As the new Miss Tibet, I pledge to do everything in my capabilities for the cause of Tibet, and I’d like to encourage the Tibetan youngsters living outside of Tibet to step forward too. We cannot sit idle when our brothers and sisters in Tibet are dying daily,” Lhamo said.
She concluded her speech by saying, “Tibetans in Tibet are burning their bodies, and that fire has ignited flames in the heartstrings of Tibetans everywhere. Now we urge the heads of free nations including the US, UK, India, and elsewhere to stand up for the Tibetan cause. Because being mere spectators in the demolition of humanity in Tibet is being as responsible for it as the oppressors.”
She announced the donation of the prize money to Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Madison, and Student’s for a Free Tibet, New York.
Outgoing Miss Tibet Tenzin Yangkyi also gave a speech, and fought tears while speaking about different experiences during her reign as a Miss Tibet.
The Director Lobsang Wangyal thanked all those who were involved in making the event a success. He was particularly thankful to Eastern Diner for providing the venue and Tara Salon and Spa for grooming up the misses. He also thanked the media for showing their interest.
In addition he expressed his appreciation to Miss Tibet 2007 Tenzin Dolma for joining the ceremony, and Tibetan singers Tenzin Norbu and Tenzin Jigme for presenting patriotic songs for the occasion.
The Director is also thankful to a fan and supporter of the Miss Tibet Pageant, Tenzin Dhondup, from Japan for donating a brand new Nikon camera and lens (worth 4000 USD).
Lobsang Wangyal
Director
