Dharamshala, Aug. 15 -- The Tibetan government-in-exile on Thursday celebrated India's 79th Independence Day in the hill town of Dharamshala. Officials, staff members, and members of the Tibetan diaspora gathered at Gangkyi Park for the official ceremony.

Tharlam Dolma Changra, the officiating Sikyong (president) of the Tibetan government-in-exile, hoisted the Indian national flag and extended gratitude to the government and people of India on the occasion. The celebration saw members of the Tibetan community holding both Indian and Tibetan flags in a show of solidarity.

"India means a lot to the Tibetans. This celebration of the 79th Indian Independence Day is such an event to be happy about, so on behalf of the Tibetans inside and out...