The 54th Working Committee Meeting of the Tibetan Youth Congress was held at Chintan Bhawan Hall in Gangtok, Sikkim, from August 6th to 10th, 2024. The meeting was hosted by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Gangtok.
Prior to the meeting, TYC Centrex members and staff traveled from Dharamshala on July 29th and organized a protest rally outside the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi, along with members of the BTSM, to protest the Chinese Embassy’s celebration of the Founding Anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army. On August 3rd, the team departed for Gangtok via Indira Gandhi International Airport, where they were received by representatives from the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Gangtok.
After two days of preparation, the opening ceremony of the 54th Working Committee Meeting took place on August 6th, attended by invited guests and participants representing regional chapters from India and Nepal. The ceremony was hosted by the TYC General Secretary, and began with the reception of a portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, accompanied by religious songs and prayers. The Chief Guest, Shri Chung Chung Bhutia (Former Chairman, Sikkim Khadi and Village Industry Board), along with Shri Tsering Wangchuk Lapch, Former additional political secretary to HCM, TYC President Mr. Gonpo Dhundup, Prof. Rudra Pougyel (Central Executive, BTSM), Mr. Pema Wangdak (Northeast Convener, ITCO), Mr. Pema Sangpo (Tibetan Settlement Officer), and Mr. Jimpa Phuntsok (Speaker, Local Tibetan Assembly), lit a butter lamp in front of the portrait, marking the commencement of the official function.
As the function commenced, the Tibetan and Indian national anthems were sung, followed by the TYC unity song. A minute of silence was observed to pay respects and remember the sacrifices made by Tibetan martyrs for the just cause of Tibet. Mr. Tenzin Tsepal, President of RTYC Gangtok, delivered a welcome speech, welcoming the participants of the Working Committee Meeting.
The Chief Guest, Shri Chung Chung Bhutia, and other dignitaries addressed the gathering, praising the works of TYC and expressing their deep support and solidarity with the just cause of Tibet. They also expressed their reverence for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The annual magazines of Tibetan Youth Congress and the TYC historical book, “A Concise Historical Record Attesting to Tibet’s Independence: Significant chronology of the Ganden Phorang Era”, were launched.
Following the opening function, the TYC proceeded to discuss the agendas sent by the Centrex six months prior. After thorough deliberations, 23 resolutions were adopted on the final day. Each day began with the singing of the TYC unity song, as per the resolution adopted in the previous Working Committee Meeting at Ladakh.
On the final day, participants launched a signature campaign to draw attention to the critical situation in Tibet and condemn the ongoing Chinese cultural genocide in Tibet.
Following the five-day Working Committee Meeting, a closing ceremony was held at Cholsum Hall, organized by the RTYC Gangtok. During the event, appreciation mementos were presented to the participants, and gratitude was extended to the supporters, who were honored with mementos and scarfs. The ceremony featured songs and dances performed by the Gorshey group and other groups representing various associations and NGOs.
President Mr. Gonpo Dhundup, expressed his appreciation to the regional chapter members for their dedication and thanked the other associations and supporters for their unity and service throughout the meetings.
Subsequently, a two-day pilgrimage was organized by the RTYC Gangtok, with more than 18 Innovas traveling to Rawang La. Participants were served lunch by RTYC Rawang La. After the pilgrimage, participants returned to their respective regions, while TYC centrex members and staff were hosted for a night by RTYC Salugara President. A lunch was also provided by RTYC Salugara member Tashi La, also known as Sanu Bhai. On August 13, 2024, TYC participants departed for Delhi via Bagdogra Airport.