Local Tibetans and their supporters will come together Saturday in Northampton for a daylong event that marks the 59th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at First Churches of Northampton, 129 Main St., a fast and prayer vigil will be held, organized by the Tibetan Community of Western Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts Students for a Free Tibet.
Amherst resident Thondup Tsering, a member of the local Tibetan community, said the idea is to put on events that reflect on the 1.2 million Tibetans who lost their lives during the Chinese invasion and attack on Lhasa on March 17, 1959, and to honor those who still live in Tibet while under Chinese oppression.
The event will also call for the return of the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile, to his homeland and remind people that over the last decade 160 Tibetans have self-immolated to protest Chinese occupation.
During the Tibet Day events, participants will read statements from U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern and hear a proclamation from Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz.
The Amherst Select Board recently proclaimed Tibetan Rights Day and will fly the Tibetan flag beneath the United Nations flag for seven days beginning Saturday.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
