China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Region celebrates liberation of serfs
People from all walks of life in the Tibet autonomous region held various activities on March 28 to mark the 64th anniversary of the liberation of a million serfs.
Since 2009, March 28 has been celebrated in the region as Serfs’ Emancipation Day. The annual commemoration recalls the democratic reforms of 1959 in the Tibet autonomous region that ended feudal serfdom.
A flag-raising ceremony was held at Potala Palace Square, and cultural performances were staged in different parts of Lhasa on March 28.
Since the democratic reform, the region has seen dramatic changes under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, with longterm support from other provinces and cities throughout the country.
“History is the best textbook,” said Yan Jinhai, chairman of the regional government, in a televised speech on March 27.
“On the 64th anniversary of the liberation of Tibet’s million serfs, we solemnly hold activities to remember the history of suffering, appreciate the great new era and draw strength to move forward.”
Sixty-four years ago, under the leadership of the CPC, the ethnic people of the region crushed an armed rebellion, carried out democratic reforms and abolished Tibet’s feudal theocratic serfdom imposed by a combination of political and religious powers, Yan said, adding that people dwelling on the roof of the world but living at the bottom of the world, received a new lease on life, and the plateau ushered in an era of light.
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the central authorities have placed stability, development, ecology and border area consolidation as priorities of the region’s strategic tasks.
“Over the past decade, we have consistently promoted high-quality development, maintained rapid economic growth, and shifted urban and rural areas into a new outlook,” Yan said.
“We have continuously increased investment in education, healthcare, culture, housing, employment and social security, eradicating absolute poverty in the region, and all ethnic people in the region are now part of an all-around well-off society,” he said.
Trinley, a Tibetan resident and a participant in the flag-raising ceremony at Potala Palace Square, said March 28 is a special day for him and many in Tibet.
“Sixty-four years ago, serfs suffered from hunger and cold, and had no social rights,” said the 82-yearold, adding that under the leadership of the CPC, the people of Tibet have been enjoying a better and happier life over the past decades.
“Villagers now have access to safe running drinking water, villages are accessed by paved roads, students are exempted from schooling costs, and disabled people get proper help from the government,” he added.
On the 64th anniversary of the liberation of Tibet’s million serfs, we solemnly hold activities to remember the history of suffering, appreciate the great new era and draw strength to move forward.”
Yan Jinhai, Chairman of the Tibet autonomous region