International Tibet Mukti Divas is observed on May 23 every year and the significance of the day dates back to 1951 when the Chinese government forcibly imposed its 17-point agenda on Tibet.
The Chinese government on May 23, 1951 imposed its 17-point agenda on Tibet and allegedly forced the Tibetan authorities to sign the agenda papers. Thus, some refer the day as Black Day for the Tibetan community.
What's the 17-point agenda all about?
This agenda states that there should be no interference with the position of the Dalai Lama, protection of the language and culture of Tibet by Tibetans themselves. The agenda that was created by China was sidelined.
Earlier, a joint agenda was also made between China and Tibet by both sides, but the Chinese government rejected it and imposed its own agenda on Tibet.
The Dalai Lama rejected the agenda
The Dalai Lama completely rejected this Chinese agenda on April 18, 1959 after his arrival in India.
In 1956, the Dalai Lama arrived as the chief guest at an event on the occasion of Buddha Purnima in Buddhist Gaya. During this time, he met the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and discussed the agenda forcibly imposed on Tibet by China. Pandit Nehru made a suggestion to the Dalai Lama to talk to the Chinese government about this matter. But unfortunately, the Chinese government did not back down about their decision to implement the 17 point agenda and the Dalai Lama had to leave Tibet and come to India.
Tibet's independence
Tibet finally got independence on 13 February, 1913. The Dalai Lama declared Tibetan Independence in the declaration of the "Proclamation of Independence". The "Free Tibet" movement was supported by celebrities like Paris Hilton, Richard Gere and Russel Brand.
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