With all due respect to the Kashag (cabinet of the Tibetan-Government-in-Exile), there is a time to mourn and a time to be joyous; and world-wide the beginning of a new year is a time to be joyous, to ring in the new year with high hopes, optimism and great expectations. The United States government did not issue an order to its people not to happily celebrate the new year following the 9/11 incident. The Chinese government did not issue a similar order to its people following the SARS epidemic and the destructive floods. The Indian government did not issue a similar order to its people after the dreadful attacks in Bombay, and I am sure the Haitian government will not issue an order to its people not to happily celebrate the new year next year because of the devastating earthquake it experienced.

This is not to say that we must not be mindful of the suffering our people are undergoing under Chinese rule in Tibet. We must think of them, pray for them each day, especially on new year’s day, and strive every day to make them happy. But, at the same time, we must also be able to get on with our lives and live life optimistically and happily. I am sure His Holiness the Dalai Lama will not deny us the opportunity to be happy whenever there is an occasion, because He strives for the happiness of all sentient beings.

If the Kashag feels that we should not celebrate our New Year because it falls on the same date as the Chinese New Year, then it should set another date when we can celebrate it happily.

Tashideleg & a very happy Losar to all.

Tsoltim N. Shakabpa
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