On 7th July 2023, TYC President and Joint Secretary met with Shri Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Counsellor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. TYC president and colleague expressed gratitude for his unwavering support for Tibet and the well-being of the Ladakh Tibetan Community. As they requested him to be the Chief Guest during the TYC 53rd annual meeting in Ladakh, he graciously accepted it.
TYC General Secretary Sonam Tsering and Tibetan NGO Representatives Engage in Productive Discussion with Taiwanese Parliamentarian Hun Sun Han on Tibetan Freedom Movement. The meeting ends up with a short office tour.
On 21st June 2023, TYC President engaged with students of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and spoke on TYC’s mission, dynamic campaign initiatives and past project programs TYC has been practically entertained.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
