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”
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” 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.
On April 25th, 2023, the 34th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, (Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Thinley, popularly known as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was observed. However, it is important to note that since his disappearance in 1995, his whereabouts have remained unknown due to the policies enforced by the Chinese Communist regime.
To commemorate this significant day, a public praying ceremony was organized at the Dalai Lama Temple by National Democratic Party of Tibet, Students for Free Tibet and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala. Representatives from various non-governmental Tibetan organizations participated in the ceremony, coming together to remember and honor the 11th Panchen Lama.
The day was not only observed locally but also recalled by regional chapters of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) worldwide. These chapters organized prayer gatherings to mark the occasion and expressed their solidarity with the cause. They also utilized the opportunity to demand the Chinese government to release the 11th Panchen Lama.
The commemorative political events and prayer ceremonies held globally on the 34th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama served as a reminder of his disappearance and the ongoing concerns regarding his well-being. These gatherings also aimed to draw attention to the issue and put pressure on the Chinese government to provide information on his whereabouts or release him unconditionally.
The anniversary served as a solemn reminder of the unresolved situation surrounding the 11th Panchen Lama, highlighting the importance of continued advocacy for his freedom and the preservation of Tibetan cultural and religious heritage.
On April 22nd, 2023, a group of high-ranking delegates from the French Senate met with TYC General Secretary Sonam Tsering along with representatives from three other NGOs in Dharamshala.
The four delegates from the French Senate were Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Senator Else Joseph, Senator Olivier Rietmann, and Thierry Munier, a civil servant in the Senate.
The purpose of the visit by the French Senate delegates was indeed to interact with representatives from various Tibetan non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and engage in discussions related to Tibetan issues. The primary goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the concerns, aspirations, and challenges faced by the Tibetan community. In particular, the French Senate delegates aimed to comprehend the role played by the NGOs in the Tibetan freedom movement.
On April 19th, 2023, a dinner meeting took place between representatives of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) and a delegation from the Australian Parliament. The TYC General Secretary, Mr. Sonam Tsering, and Joint Secretary, Mr. Tsering Choephel, were among the attendees, along with representatives from other Tibetan non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Australian Parliamentary delegation consisted of Sharon Claydon MP, who served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Janet Elizabeth Rice, Sophie Anna Scamps MP, and Susan Raye Templeman MP.
The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate dialogue and exchange between the representatives of the Tibetan NGOs and the Australian Parliament. Such interactions provide an opportunity for representatives from the Tibetan community to engage with lawmakers and discuss matters of mutual concern, including human rights issues and the situation in Tibet. And such meetings offer a more informal setting for constructive discussions, allowing for a deeper understanding of the Tibetan cause and fostering connections between the Tibetan diaspora and international supporters.
On February 13, 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) and the Centre for Himalayan Asian Studies and Engagement organized an international webinar to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the 13th Dalai Lama’s proclamation reiterating Tibet’s independence. The webinar aimed to shed light on this significant historical event and its ongoing relevance.
The webinar featured a panel of distinguished speakers who provided insights and expertise on various aspects related to Tibet’s independence and the current situation. The invited speakers included:
Lhadon Tethong: Director of Tibet Action Institute. Tethong’s experience and knowledge in Tibet-related activism contributed to the discussions on advocating for Tibetan rights and freedom.
Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar: Member of the Tibetan Parliament. Dolkar’s presence enriched the discussions by providing perspectives from a legislative standpoint and representing the Tibetan community’s interests.
Bhuchung Tsering: Interim President of the International Campaign for Tibet. Bhuchung la’s expertise in advocacy work and international engagement added valuable insights to the discussions.
Dr. Uwe Meya: Board Member of the GSTF (Global Science and Technology Forum). Dr. Meya’s participation provided insights into the academic and research aspects of Tibet’s independence and its historical significance.
Tenzin Zockbeuer: Executive Director of Tibet Initiative Deutschland. Zockbeuer’s involvement shed light on the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Tibetan diaspora community in Germany.
The presence of these speakers allowed for a comprehensive and diverse exploration of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama’s proclamation and its impact on Tibet’s struggle for independence. The webinar provided a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering understanding, and generating meaningful discussions on the historical and contemporary aspects of Tibet’s independence movement.
On February 5, 2023, a two-day National Executive Conference of Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch commenced in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The President and the Joint Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) attended the conference, which provided a platform for interaction among Tibetan and non-Tibetan dignitaries.
On February 2, 2023, Pema Tulotsang, Senior Program Officer of the National Endowment for Democracy, visited the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) Central Office. During her visit, she interacted with the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress and meet other executive members of TYC.
The purpose of Pema Tulotsang’s visit was to learn more about the activities and initiatives undertaken by TYC, as well as to understand the organization’s role in advocating for the rights and freedom of Tibetans. The interaction with the TYC leadership provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss ongoing projects.
The National Endowment for Democracy is an organization dedicated to supporting democratic initiatives and promoting human rights globally. Pema Tulotsang’s visit to the TYC Central Office demonstrates the interest and support from external organizations in understanding and engaging with Tibetan youth activism and their efforts in advocating for the Tibetan cause and democracy in exile.
On January 16, 2023, a group of college students, consisting of more than 16 individuals, visited the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) Central Office. The students, hailing from Gustavus Adolphus College, engaged in an indoor interaction session with Mr. Sonam Tsering, the General Secretary of TYC.
During their visit, the students spent time gaining a deeper understanding of the ground situation inside Tibet and the challenges faced by Tibetans in the diaspora. The interaction session involved discussions on various aspects of the Tibetan struggle, including human rights issues, the political situation, and the efforts made by the Tibetan community to preserve their cultural heritage and promote their cause.
The visit by the Gustavus Adolphus College students to the TYC Central Office reflects their interest in learning about the Tibetan struggle and engaging with members of the Tibetan community who are actively involved in advocating for their rights and freedom. Such interactions foster greater awareness and support for the Tibetan cause among students and create opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.