PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Tenzin Dorjee, Lecturer at Columbia University, on Adding Losar to Alternate Side Parking Suspension Calendar
3:04:38
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108 sec
Tenzin Dorjee, a lecturer in political science at Columbia University, testified in support of a bill to add Losar (Tibetan Buddhist New Year) to the alternate side parking suspension calendar. He emphasized the cultural significance of Losar and the inconvenience caused by current parking regulations during celebrations.
- Losar is celebrated by up to 100,000 people in New York City, including Tibetans and other Buddhist communities.
- The bill is seen as a gesture of respect and inclusion for the diverse communities that contribute to New York City.
- Dorjee highlighted that many community members are essential workers who have served the city during difficult times, including the pandemic.
Tenzin Dorjee
3:04:38
Thank you so much.
3:04:39
Good morning.
3:04:40
My name is Tenzin Deuge.
3:04:41
I work as a lecturer in political science at Columbia University.
3:04:46
I'm here to support the bill to add Lhasar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year to the alternate site parking suspension calendar.
3:04:53
Lhasar is celebrated by up to a hundred thousand people in the city if we include not just Tibetans, Mongolians, Netherlands, Ladakis, share pass, Mumbai's, Kalamics, etcetera, but also thousands of others across the city who follow Tibetan Buddhism or the teachings of his holiness, the Dalai Lama.
3:05:10
Now if you've ever been to a LOSA celebration, you know it's like New Year's Eve, the Super Bowl Thanksgiving, all rolled into 1.
3:05:18
It's the time for families to come together honor our traditions, and start the year with hope and blessings.
3:05:24
But right now, when the clock hits 11:30 on LOSR, Instead of focusing on prayers and celebrations, we have to worry about where to move our cars.
3:05:34
There's nothing like a parking ticket to ruin your new year celebrations.
3:05:38
Many members of our community are essential workers, their nurses, taxi drivers, social workers, small business owners, who have kept this city going through the toughest times.
3:05:46
They have risked their lives for all New Yorkers.
3:05:49
They fought the pandemic on so many levels.
3:05:52
The least we can do is give them the peace of mind to celebrate Lazar without interrupting their prayers, without having to rush out of a family gathering, just to move the car to the other side of the street without having to spend half an hour looking for a parking spot.
3:06:04
The bill, this bill is a small gesture of respect and inclusion, recognizing the rich cultural tapestry that makes New York City the greatest city in the world.
3:06:14
By declaring lowstar a street cleaning holiday, we are acknowledging the contributions of a diverse community that has given so much to this city.
3:06:22
And we are saying, hey, your celebrations matter too.
3:06:26
Thank you.