Join us for a Cycle Rally to Protest China’s Cultural Genocidal Policies in Tibet
From Dekyiling to Delhi
Date & Time
24th – 30th September 2024
Contact: +91 75909 20978
CYCLE RALLY! JOIN US.
Category: Annual Activities
THREE DAYS STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ADVOCACY WORKSHOP
TYC General Secretary and Joint Secretary joined a three-day strategic planning and advocacy workshop in Delhi, titled ‘Tibet in Global Climate Conversation hosted by the Tibetan Policy Institute.
THE 54th WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS
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.
89th BIRTHDAY OF HIS HOLINESS THE GREAT 14th DALAI LAMA
On the auspicious occasion of the 89th Birthday of His Holiness, the great 14th Dalai Lama, a beacon of peace and a revered symbol of universal love and compassion. The Tibetan Youth Congress extends our heartfelt prayers and sincerest wishes for His Holiness’s continued good health and longevity, for the benefit of all sentient beings.
May His Holiness’s profound message of peace and exemplary embodiment of the core principles of love and compassion forever serve as a guiding light, illuminating our paths towards a world filled with greater happiness and harmony.
MEETING WITH INDIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE GURUKUL PROGRAMME:
Meeting with Indian College Students Participating in the Gurukul Programme
On 20th June 2024, the TYC General Secretary, Sonam Tsering la, along with other NGO representatives, met with Indian college students participating in the Gurukul Programme of the Delhi-based Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The meeting, held at the TYC office, included a briefing on TYC and the overall Tibetan freedom movement.
The NGO representatives answered a wide range of questions posed by the participants on critical human rights issues in Tibet and the exile freedom movement. At the request of one of the participants, the TYC General Secretary recited two of his poems that portray the challenges faced by Tibetans in exile and their spirit of activism.
The organizing representative thanked TYC for providing the venue and expressed their gratitude to the representatives for their time and resources.
NEWLY ELECTED EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF RTYC MINNESOTA
TYC President Gonpo Dhundup formally inducted the newly elected executive members of RTYC Minnesota. He expressed gratitude to the outgoing President, Tenzin Choesang, and the entire team for their contributions. He also congratulated the new President, Tenzin Palsang la, and the team, wishing them a successful tenure.
THE 21st NORTH AMERICAN REGIONAL TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS WORKING MEETING
RTYC Minnesota organised the 21st North American Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Working Committee Meeting from June 28-30, 2024. The event was inaugurated with distinguished guests including TYC Former President and North America Tibetan MP Tenzin Jigme la, and special guest Former President and former Chitue Tsewang Rigzen la, alongside representatives from TAFM and other NGOs. The meeting was Chaired by Centrex President Gonpo Dhundup, the three-day meeting concluded successfully with resolutions adopted on 8 crucial topics.
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
On June 26, 2024, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Tibetan Women’s Association, commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The event featured a panel discussion with former political prisoners, commencing with an introductory address by Miss Tenzin Dawa la, the director of TCHRD, followed by insights from Miss Phurbu Dolma, a researcher at the Centre, who presented 20 case studies of former Tibetan political prisoners. The discussion then shifted to a panel comprising five former political prisoners moderated by TYC General Secretary, Mr. Sonam Tsering la. The panel commenced with a video message from Nyima Lhamo la, the niece of the late Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
The five invited political prisoners included Geshi Tsering Dorji, a student of the late Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche; Lobsang Yonten, who endured over 17 years in prison; Gedhun Rinchen; Sherab Gyatso; and Geshe Ngawang Delek. Each shared their harrowing experiences of inhumane torture endured in prison. Following a Q&A session with attendees, the event concluded with words of gratitude from Mrs. Tsering Dolma la, the President of the Tibetan Women’s Association.
ALL INDIA – MARTYRS MEMORIAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
All India- Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament
In 1998, in conjunction with the 10th March, the Tibetan Youth Congress organized a unto death hunger strike in New Delhi with three demands. Among the participants in the second batch was Pawo Thupten Ngodup la, who self-immolated, becoming the first Tibetan to do so. On the 29th of March, Pawo Thupten Ngodup la passed away, and since then, the Tibetan Youth Congress observes this day annually as Martyrs’ Day, organizing various activities.
The RTYC Dharamshala has organized a basketball tournament for many years, and this year marked the 21st edition, which was also the first all-India tournament. The event had three primary aims:
- To raise awareness about the contributions made by Tibetan martyrs and instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the youth participants.
- To foster closer engagement of Tibetan youth with the Tibetan Youth Congress and involve them in activities related to the Tibetan cause.
- To promote and preserve unity and integrity among Tibetans.
The organizing committee arranged accommodations for the participating teams in the Tibetan Children’s Village, Lower Dharamshala. On the afternoon of April 24, a meeting was held with the players, where TYC General Secretary Mr. Sonam Tsering welcomed them and discussed the tournament’s objectives and the significance of TYC activities in the exile community, followed by team introduction by the respective team captains. RTYC Dharamshala President Jampa Tendar briefed the players on the rules and regulations, and team shuffling was led by Mr. Gawa, the sports secretary of RTYC Dharamshala.
The tournament began on April 25, coinciding with the 35th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Thinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. The opening ceremony featured TYC Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la as the chief guest, alongside Mr. Karma Sichoe la and Mr. Yungdung la, participants of the 1998 TYC hunger strike. Mr. Sonam Tsering la highlighted the tournament’s aims, and Mr. Tashi Targyal la spoke about the importance of youth participation in the movement and the critical situation inside Tibet. After which, the participants from different parts of India were presented with traditional Tibetan scarves.
RTYC Dharamshala Secretary Mr. Tenzin Lobsang la read a Tibetan statement, and RTYC member Tenzin Choekyi hosted the ceremony. The event included a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 11th Panchen Lama’s birthday and a minute of silence to honor Tibetan martyrs.
For the first time in exile basketball history, live streaming was provided from the quarter-finals onward, allowing interested viewers worldwide to follow the tournament. The final match was scheduled for April 29, Martyrs’ Day, but was postponed due to heavy rain in Dharamshala.
The final match was held on April 30. The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel la, attended as the chief guest, with TYC Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la as the special guest. Amongst the guest standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament, TYC former centrex members and the representatives of the other organizations were present. The chief guest and the guest of honour addressed the gathering by emphasizing on the needs of unity and youth participation in the freedom movement. The Gangkyi basketball ground was filled with spectators in huge number and the final match was between the Red Devils and the Dharamshala Thuboe team, while the girls’ match featured the Munsel Team against the Sarah Team. The Munsel Team and the Red Devils emerged victorious.
The chief guest and the guest of honor presented trophies and prizes to the winners and mementos to the officials. The event was a huge success, with participation from various regions, including North-East, South, North, and Central India. A representative team from the Tibetan Transit School, newly arrived from Tibet, made a memorable appearance in traditional Tibetan dress (Chupa) at the opening ceremony.
TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS EXECUTIVE MEMBER SPEAKING TOUR ALL OVER THE INDIA, ENGAGED WITH ALL CHAPTERS IN TIBETAN SETTLEMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.
Tibetan Youth Congress President Mr. Gonpo Dhundup la and Organizational Secretary Mr. Yeshi Chomphel la conducted a productive official speaking tour of South India, engaging with various chapters in Tibetan settlements and institutions.
Mainpat Tibetan Settlement (April 8, 2024)
President Mr. Gonpo Dhundup la and Mr. Yeshi Chomphel la commenced their tour in Mainpat Tibetan Settlement on April 8, 2024. RTYC Mainpat organized an internal meeting with the regional executives. The day began with visits to all local monasteries, followed by a public gathering at 10:30 AM. This event was attended by the TSO Mainpat, the President of the Cooperative Society, regional presidents, executives, and members of the public. They engaged with the audience through a Q&A session. Later, they visited old age homes and schools within the settlement.
Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Studies:
At the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Studies, TYC President and the Organizational secretary led interactive sessions with faculty members and students, addressing questions from the audience. Attendees included Tibetan MP Rigzen Lhundup la, Principal Tenzin Passang, and other faculty members and students.
Bangalore (April 13, 2024)
On April 13, RTYC Bangalore hosted a public talk at the Bangalore Tibetan Youth Hostel with president Mr. Gonpo Dhundup la and Mr. Yeshi Chomphel la. The centrex executives addressed the audience and responded to queries. This was followed by an internal meeting with RTYC Bangalore executive members. Appreciated they voluntary services and encouraged them to continue their effort.
Hunsur Tibetan Settlement
The TYC leaders visited the Hunsur Tibetan Settlement, meeting with the Settlement Officer and other dignitaries. They delivered a public talk during a Mani prayer gathering in the Settlement Hall. They also met with the abbot of Gyudmed Tantric University and former RTYC member and current Tibetan Parliament member in exile, Kungo Migyur Dorjee, updating him on TYC activities.
Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement (April 17-20, 2024)
From April 17-20, Mr. Gonpo Dhundup la and Mr. Yeshi Chomphel la conducted a successful public speaking tour in the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement. Their activities included meetings with the settlement officer and Tibetan Members of Parliament, talks on the critical situation in Tibet at schools, public engagements, and interactive Q&A sessions. The tour concluded with the successful election of new regional chapter members on April 20, 2024. Former TYC Centrex and current Tibetan MP Chomphel Thupten la and Kunchok Yarphel la attended the election. Eleven executive members were elected, with Thupten Rabten elected as president. The TYC Central Executive extends its best wishes for a successful tenure.
Mundgod Tibetan Settlement
President Mr. Gonpo Dhundup and Organizational Secretary Mr. Yeshi Chomphel had a four-day speaking tour in the Mundgod Tibetan Settlement. They visited each village, met with the public, and addressed the critical situation in Tibet. On the final day, they toured the Mundgod RTYC office, where regional working committee members briefed them on their activities. They also visited Mundgod Sambhota School, delivered a talk on the situation in Tibet, and introduced TYC’s campaign activities. This was followed by a Q&A session with students. The school principal, Namgyal la, along with the director and teachers, attended the discussion.
Mangalore:
The TYC President and Organizational Secretary participated in the 35th Birth Anniversary event hosted by RTYC Mangalore. They delivered a speech highlighting the significant contributions of the previous Panchen Rinpoche and discussed the current critical situation in Tibet.
Odisha Tibetan Settlement:
As part of their tour, Mr. Gonpo Dhundup and Mr. Yeshi Chomphel visited the Odisha Settlement, where they delivered a public address focusing on the current situation in Tibet and responding to public inquiries. Attendees included the Tibetan settlement officer, the Speaker of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the President of the Regional Freedom Movement, Katok Tulku, the School Principal, and RTYC Odisha members.
Sambhota Chandragiri School:
The TYC President and organizational secretary visited Sambhota Chandragiri School to discuss the current situation in Tibet and introduce TYC’s campaign activities. The visit included a Q&A session with students. The school principal, Samdup Dorjee, welcomed them with a traditional Tibetan scarf and delivered a thank-you speech.
The chapter visit by TYC President Mr. Gonpo Dhundup and organizational secretary Mr. Yeshi Chomphel was highly successful in raising awareness about the critical situation in Tibet and strengthening the engagement of regional chapters and the general public in the Tibetan freedom movement.
TYC Speaking Tour in North India:
Tibetan Youth Congress Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la and Joint Secretary Mr. Tsering Choephel la embarked on a month-long tour of TYC chapters in North India, starting with the Bir Tibetan Settlement.
Bir Tibetan Settlement (April 10, 2024)
On April 10, 2024, the RTYC Bir organized a public meeting with Mr. Targyal Targyal la and Mr. Tsering Choephel la. They discussed the significance of TYC’s political campaign work and raised awareness about the critical situation in Tibet. The meeting concluded with the presentation of appreciation scarves them by the meeting attandees. Notable attandees included former centrex member Mr. Tsewang Rabgyal la , the Tibetan settlement officer, the Speaker of the Local Assembly, the President of the Cooperative Society, and members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Bir.
Shimla (April 11, 2024)
The next day, a public gathering organized by the Regional Chapter Shimla was held. The Vice President and Joint Secretary delivered a public talk, addressing the critical situation in Tibet, particularly the Chinese government’s implementation of policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan identity by forcefully enrolling Tibetan children in colonial-style boarding schools. This was followed by a Q&A session.
Paonta Tibetan Settlement (April 12, 2024)
On April 12, the TYC Vice President and Joint Secretary spoke at a public meeting organized by the Regional Chapter in Paonta Tibetan Settlement. They highlighted the urgent situation in Tibet and emphasized the importance of public involvement in the Tibetan freedom movement. The talk was attended by local dignitaries, and the visit included a tour of the local school, cooperative society, and nearby monastery.
Purwala Tibetan Settlement (April 13, 2024)
On April 13, they visited Purwala Tibetan Settlement and gave a public talk. The discussion focused on the need for public participation in freedom movement activities and encouraged continuous support for regional chapter initiatives. The visit also included short visit to local schools and monasteries.
Herbertpur (April 14, 2024)
In Herbertpur, Mr. Tashi Targyal la and Mr. Tsering Choephel la delivered a public talk attended by a large audience, including former TYC Centrex member and former Health Kalon, Kungo Choekyong Wangchuk. They also visited local old age homes.
Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement (April 15, 2024)
On April 15, a public talk at Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement was hosted by RTYC Dekyiling. The leaders highlighted TYC’s campaign activities and the critical situation in Tibet. Former executive member Tsewang Dolma la and other dignitaries attended alongside TYC members. They also visited Gepheling in Dekyiling and delivered a public talk there.
Rajpur (April 16, 2024)
In Rajpur, Mr. Targyal and Mr. Choephel conducted a public talk and played a crucial role in restoring the 14th term regional chapter by holding elections on April 20, 2024.
TCV Selakui (April 16, 2024)
The same day, they addressed the critical situation in Tibet and TYC’s campaign activities at TCV Selakui. The gathering included teachers and students from TCV Selakui and students from ITI. A Q&A session followed the talk.
Mussouri Tibetan School (April 17, 2024)
On April 17, they gave a talk at Mussouri Tibetan School, attended by staff and students in large numbers. The discussion centered on TYC’s campaign work and the situation in Tibet, especially focusing on the colonial boarding schools. A Q&A session followed.
Nainital (April 19, 2024)
On April 19, the TYC Vice President and Joint Secretary delivered a public talk in Nainital. Representatives from regional associations and members of the Nainital Regional Tibetan Youth Congress attended the gathering.
The tour by the TYC Vice President and Joint Secretary highlighted the pressing issues in Tibet and strengthened the engagement and involvement of regional chapters and the general public in the Tibetan freedom movement.