A historic day, reviving hope for the Tibetan people:

There was much joy and excitement here in Dharamsala this week as President George Bush presented the Dalai Lama the US Congressional Gold Medal. Several festivities were organised around town that included discourses, traditional dances, music, and sporting events. The presentation itself was shown live on a big screen and viewed by thousands of supporters. Everybody here senses the tremendous symbolic significance of the event. After decades of patiently promoting human rights and working for the preservation of Tibetan culture the Dalai Lama is finally being recognised on the world stage. For Tibetans and supporters here there is an expectation that at long last there may be a change in China’s attitude to the exiled Government that could lead to a new wave of dialogue with the Tibetan spiritual leader. Most certainly a new dimension has been added to the plight of all Tibetan refugees here in Dharamsala.