19.04.2025

"Tibetans Commemorate 66 Years of Uprising"

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors

The photo collection captures significant events surrounding the 66th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. Various ceremonies and protests took place in different locations, particularly in India and Taiwan, where the Tibetan exile community commemorated this pivotal moment in Tibetan history on March 10, 2025.

In New Delhi, Tibetan exiles gathered to honor the anniversary through protests. Tibetan children could be seen watching their parents chant slogans during these demonstrations. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as attendees recalled the struggles faced by Tibetans in their quest for autonomy and preservation of their culture. Images depict both young and old participants reflecting the deep impact of the uprising, which is central to Tibetan identity.

Additionally, in Dharamshala, India—home to the Tibetan government-in-exile—several events unfolded to honor this significant anniversary. Exiled Tibetans rallied at the Tsuglakhang temple, where children marked the occasion with a foot march, illustrating the continuity of their struggle across generations. Many attendees adorned themselves with the colors of the Tibetan flag, emphasizing their pride and connection to their homeland.

Cultural expressions played a vital role during the commemoration. Exiled Tibetan artists dedicated performances to honor those who lost their lives during the uprising, singing songs that resonated with themes of resilience and hope. Observances included a moment of silence, which highlighted the collective grief of the Tibetan community for their past struggles while underscoring their ongoing fight for freedom.

Concurrent protests in New Delhi accentuated the call for global awareness regarding the Tibetan situation. Scenes from these protests captured police attempts to detain demonstrators, illustrating the tensions that often arise when voices for liberation are raised. Tibetan exiles shouted slogans calling for an end to Chinese rule, conveying a message of defiance and determination.

Across the sea in Taiwan, the Tibetan expatriate community also marked the anniversary with a march in Taipei on March 9, 2025. Tibetans and their supporters held signs and exhibited Tibetan national flags, strengthening their solidarity and commitment to raising awareness about their struggles against Chinese oppression. Prayers were offered, and participants expressed their hopes for a free and independent Tibet while also reminding the world of their plight.

These coordinated protests and commemorative events in both India and Taiwan highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetans in their quest for recognition and autonomy. The collective actions taken by the Tibetan diaspora not only seek to remember the brave individuals who stood against oppression in 1959 but also aim to invigorate support for their contemporary struggle for human rights and cultural preservation.

The series of photos encapsulates a powerful narrative of resistance and resilience among Tibetans, emphasizing that, despite being displaced, their spirit remains unbroken. The visual documentation serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and acknowledgement of their rightful place in the world is far from over.