On 29th June 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress President Gonpo Dhundup, Vice President Tashi Targyal and RTYC Dhasa President Jampa Tendar rushed to the Gaga Airport, Dharamshala, and welcomed Dhondup Wangchen la, a former political prisoner and his family. It was their first visit to Dharamshala after getting imprisonment freedom in 2014.
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.
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.
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.
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 26th, 2023, the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Gonpo Dhundup, along with representatives from three regional chapters of TYC, had a meeting with Sonia Singh Ji, the editorial director of NDTV (New Delhi Television). The purpose of the meeting was to address the smear campaign conducted by the media against His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
During the meeting, the TYC representatives expressed their disappointment with NDTV’s coverage and the negative impact it had on the reputation of His Holiness. They highlighted the distress and pain felt by millions of His Holiness’s devotees due to the misleading information disseminated by the media.
One of the main requests made during the meeting was for NDTV to publish perspectives and viewpoints of Tibetans, providing a platform for the Tibetan community to express their views and share their experiences. This request highlights the need for more inclusive and diverse reporting, allowing the Tibetan perspective to be represented in the media coverage.
Additionally, the TYC representatives urged NDTV to ensure more responsible reporting on matters related to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This suggests a call for accurate and balanced coverage that respects the dignity and reputation of His Holiness, avoiding sensationalism or false narratives.
A day later, NDTV provided a platform for Tibetan voices, publishing articles and sharing a video message by Jigme Ugyen, former RTYC Minnesota President, to showcase the Tibetan perspective.
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.