INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH GURUKUL PROGRAM BY UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF HH THE DALAI LAMA

On June 21, 2023, President Gonpo Dhundup along with representatives from prominent Tibetan non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Dharamshala, had an interactive briefing with participants of Gurukul. Gurukul is an annual program organized by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (FURhhdl) that focuses on the roles and responsibilities of NGOs in the Tibetan freedom movement.

During the briefing, the participants had the opportunity to engage with the Tibetan Youth Congress President and other NGO representatives, discussing various aspects of the Tibetan freedom movement and the vital role played by NGOs in advancing the cause. The briefing likely included discussions on strategies, initiatives, and challenges faced by NGOs in their efforts to promote Tibetan rights, preserve Tibetan culture, and advocate for a free Tibet.

The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, through its Gurukul program, plays a significant role in providing educational opportunities and promoting dialogue on important issues related to human rights, peace, and social justice. The interaction with the Tibetan Youth Congress and other NGOs served as an important component of this program, enabling participants to gain insights into the work being done by Tibetan organizations and the challenges they face in advocating for the rights and freedom of the Tibetan people.

MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SECURITY KUNGO GYARI DOLMA ADDRESSED AT 20TH TYC YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

 

The training concluded with a closing ceremony held at Upper TCV Peace House, graced by esteemed guests former TYC Centrex member Kungo Gyari Dolma, minister of the Department of Security. Kungo la addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of practical experiences in the Tibetan freedom struggle and encouraging active engagement.

In recognition of their dedication and participation, the participants were presented with certificates of appreciation, highlighting their commitment to the cause and recognizing their potential as future leaders in the Tibetan community.

“THEATER OF THE OPPRESSED” METHODOLOGY LEAD BY ANEC(ACTIVE NON-VIOLENCE EDUCATION CENTRE) AT TYC 20TH YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The participants also had the opportunity to experience the transformative “Theater of the Oppressed” methodology led by ANEC (Active Non-violence Education Center). This session aimed to empower participants with tools to address social injustices and create positive change.

Additionally, the participants went on an educational tour of the Central Tibetan Administration offices, visited the Tibet Museum, and explored the TYC office. These visits provided first-hand insights into Tibetan history and the efforts of organizations dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and advocating for freedom.

DAY-4 SESSION LEAD BY DORJI TSETAN LA(MP) AND RENOWN ACTIVIST TENZIN TSUNDUE LA AT TYC YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Day 4 of the Tibetan Youth Congress 20th Youth Leadership Training kicked off with an enlightening session by Kungo Dorji Tseten la, MPiE, discussing the crucial ‘Roles and Responsibilities of Youth.’ The participants were captivated by his insights. Following that, Gen Tenzin Tsundue la, an esteemed activist, poet, and writer, conducted a comprehensive training on ‘Strategies for Campaigning,’ empowering the youth with effective tools.

In the evening, an “Art and Activism” program was organized, inviting prominent writers and poets who shared their work and discussed the importance of art in the freedom movement. The session was interactive, with participants asking questions and engaging in meaningful discussions.

HISTORY EXPERTISE AT DAY-3 ON TYC 20TH YOUTH LEADER SHIP TRAINING

DAY-3

On 3rd day of TYC’s 20th Youth Leadership Training, Gen Sonam Gyaltsen La, former Member of Parliament in Exile, and currently Senior Lecturer on Tibetan History at Sarah College, along with Tsangtruk Top la, Senior Lecturer on Tibetan History at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, delivered an enlightening lecture on Tibet’s history, culture, and its historical independent status.

DIGITAL SECURITY TRAINING AND SESSION LEAD BY LHAGYARI NAMGYAL DOLKAR LA(MP) AT TYC 20TH LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY-2

The second day focused on digital security, with training provided by Mr. Tenzin Gyal and Mr. Lobsang Tseten from the Tibet Action Institute. The afternoon session included training on effective leadership by Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar (Member of the Tibetan Parliament), accompanied by group activities aimed at enhancing leadership skills.

The day concluded with an informal session involving former and current TYC Centrex members, highlighting the significance of youth participation in the Tibetan freedom movement and acknowledging the contributions of the Tibetan Youth Congress.

 

 

TYC 20TH YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The 20th Youth Leadership Training organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) commenced on June 12th, 2023. The opening ceremony was graced by TYC President Gonpo Dhondup and esteemed Tibetan dignitaries, including Kungo Karma Yeshi la, former Centrex member and the former finance minister of CTA, Kungo Lobsang Jinpa la, former TYC Centrex president and the secretary at the office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and other former Centrex members of the Tibetan Youth Congress.

A total of 28 Tibetan youths from various academic institutes and organizations participated in the five-day training program. On the first day, TYC President Mr. Gonpo Dhondup provided insights into the evolution and formation of the Tibetan Youth Congress and its political campaign activities. Kungo Karma Yeshi la, the former TYC Centrex member, shed light on the structure of the Central Tibetan Administration and the evolution of democracy in exile.

 

The day concluded with an informal discussion featuring Mr. Tashi Dhondup (President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet) and representatives from Students for a Free Tibet. They shared valuable information about the nature and working of their respective organizations in raising political awareness and strengthening the Tibetan freedom movement.

“TIBET MATTERS MARCH” CONCLUSION

 

On 23rd May 2023, Tibetan Youth Congress concluded Tibet Matters March successfully with a press briefing and conclusion ceremony. As Tibetan Youth Congress’s month-long “Tibet Matters March” volunteers reached Tezpur, they unfurled a 130ft long and 20ft height banner on the Kolia Bhomora Setu Bridge of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. With a huge banner dangling, it’s a concrete message to the world that Tibet matters to the survival of 2 billion people in Asia. “Free Tibet, Save Brahmaputra”

 

11TH PANCHEN LAMA ABDUCTION DAY

On May 17th, 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) observed the 28th anniversary of the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Thinley (also known as Gendhun Choekyi Nyima), by the Communist Chinese regime. The TYC marked  this significant occasion by holding peace rally and a prayer session with participation of all the “Tibet Matters March” volunteers.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the prolonged disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama and to demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Tibet.

By organizing this march and holding prayers and a peace rally, the TYC sought to highlight the ongoing human rights violations and political repression faced by Tibetans under the Chinese regime. The abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama symbolizes the larger issue of the suppression of Tibetan culture, religion, and freedom.

The demand for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Tibet signifies the TYC’s commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of Tibetans, including those who have been unjustly detained or imprisoned for their political beliefs or activism.

TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS FLAGGED OFF THE MONTH-LONG “TIBET MATTERS MARCH”

Tibetan Youth Congress flagged off the month-long “Tibet Matters March” on 29th April 2023 and it was aimed at public awareness creation, international support, and the world leaders to talk about Tibet during the G20 summit. The president, Gonpo Dhondup spoke to the Times of India, “Tibet matters for India’s security, Tibet matters for global peace, and Tibet matters for the betterment of a whole section of the population and their livelihood”.

The month-long Tibet Matters March commenced from Gangtok, located in the state of Sikkim. The march spanned across the West Bengal region, covering a distance of over 700 kilometres. The determined participants persevered through this extensive journey, facing various challenges along the way. The march concluded at Tezpur, situated in the state of Assam.

The Tibet Matters March witnessed the participation of over 87 activists ranging from 23 to 70 years old, who embarked on a challenging journey from Gangtok to Tezpur. Despite facing scorching sun and heavy rains, the determined activists persevered, covering long distances each day with limited resources and poor facilities along the way. Their commitment and spirit remained unwavering.

The media coverage surrounding the March was extensive, capturing the attention of both local and global news outlets, highlighting the demands being put forth. The enthusiasm and interest shown by the media further amplified the impact of the March.

 

The Tibetan and Indian communities warmly welcomed the volunteers, demonstrating their support through traditional gestures like offering Khata (scarves) and extending hospitality with water, juice, and donations to the Tibetan Youth Congress. The overwhelming support received from Tibetans worldwide served as an immense source of encouragement for the volunteers, reinforcing their dedication to engaging in such activism.

 

The Tibet Matters March benefited from the assistance and facilitation provided by the BTSM and ABVP friends in Guwahati, who helped organize a press conference. Other Tibetan support groups along the way also warmly received the volunteers, creating a network of solidarity.

 

Upon reaching Tezpur, the volunteers held a prayer meeting at Missamari in Assam, paying tribute to the Tibetan brothers and sisters who lost their lives during their escape into exile. The support extended by regional chapters in Northeast India and other chapters worldwide throughout the Tibet Matters March was crucial in ensuring its success.

Overall, the Tibet Matters March achieved great success, raising significant awareness and garnering interest from concerned leaders to address the demands of the marchers through their representatives. The determination and resilience displayed by the participants resonated strongly, leaving a lasting impact on the cause.

 

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