Release of the new book "Collection of Thangka Paintings on Gesar" was held in Beijing on Jan. 9, 2011. [Photo/China Tibet Online] 

A new book titled "Collection of Thangka Paintings on Gesar" was  officially released on Jan. 9 in Tibet Mansion, Beijing.

Officials from the United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, the State National Affairs Commission and experts from the Research Society for China's Anthropology Ethnology attended the ceremony. 

On behalf of the United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, vice minister Sita sent his congratulations to the completion and publication of the album, and spoke highly of the efforts of Ethnic Publishing Group and the government of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Region in Sichuan Province.

Gesar has gained its reputation as the longest epic alive in the world, a masterpiece of Tibetan ethnic literature originated and developed from the ancient legend, folk stories, ballads and proverbs.

As an important part of Chinese diversified culture, traditional Tibetan culture has been well protected, developed and publicized by China's central government and the Party. And Vice Minister Sita promised that the United Front Work Department would definitely support this endeavor.