Lodi Gyari Gyaltsen was one of the co-founders of Tibetan Youth Congress. He served as the Joint Secretary from 1970-74, Vice President from 1974-76 and the President of the organization from 1976-77. Born in 1949 in Nyarong Eastern Tibet, he later came into exile and studied at Mt. Hermon School Darjeeling.

He was one of the special envoys, appointed by HH the Dalai Lama in the nine rounds of negotiations with China. He was also an executive board member and President of International Campaign for Tibet, Washington DC. Prior to that he led the Information Office (now DIIR) for many years as Kalon. He served the Central Tibetan Administration in various other capacities also, as director of Research & Analysis Department and Chairman of the 7th ATPD. He also helped launch and edit the Sheja magazine. Gyari Rinpoche dedicated his entire adult life to the Tibetan people and the cause. The movement has lost a visionary and dedicated leader.

We are deeply saddened to hear that he passed away on Oct 29, 2018 in San Francisco. On behalf of the entire Tibetan Youth Congress family we send our thoughts and prayers for the departed soul and condolences to the Gyari family.

All Tibetan Youth Congress chapters are requested to organize prayer vigils to remember and honor Gyari Rinpoche’s life and legacy.

For Immediate Release:

TYC CONDEMNS CHINESE LEADERS VISIT

Oct 23, 2018 Delhi: Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan NGO in exile is organizing a protest in the nations capital coinciding with the visit of Chinese leaders to India. A delegation including China’s Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi and other high-level Ministers from the TAR are here to have talks with the Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian PM Narendra Modi today.

TYC expresses serious concern on the current critical situation in Tibet and urges Indian leaders including PM Modi to bring up the issue of Tibetan freedom with their Chinese counterparts.

While we recognize that this meeting is a great opportunity for India and China to push for progress, we strongly urge for Indian leaders to hold the Chinese leaders responsible for their actions in Tibet. The current Chinese Communist Government is directly responsible for the current spate of tragic events unraveling inside Tibet including Human Rights Violation and restriction on freedom of religion. Over 150 Tibetans have self-immolated inside Tibet since 2009. The fate and conditions of the others are still not known. Protests are taking place randomly across the plateau, demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Freedom for Tibet and Independence for Tibet.

India is the largest democratic country in the world built on the principles of basic human rights. TYC President Tenzing Jigme states, “Tibetans remain forever grateful to this great nation for the kindness and support it has shown to the Tibetan people and the opportunities for Tibetans to voice their concerns for the situation inside Tibet”. As we forge our movement forward we are constantly reminded of the struggle and the determination of the Indian freedom fighters who got rid of the British occupation while remaining steadfastly committed to the principles of human rights, freedoms, ahimsa and non-violence.

We believe it is time for PM Modi and Indian leaders to confront the Chinese Government on the issue of Tibet and use diplomatic measures sending a strong message that human rights and human lives are as important as trade and economy.

TYC donates the raised funds of Rs. Six lakhs (Rs.600,000)to Kerala Chief Ministers distress relief fund. TYC President Tenzing Jigme personally met with Kerala state government’s Honourable Industries, Commerce, Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Shri EP Jayarajan, who is charged with officially receiving contributions to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund and handed over the cheque to him. The minister expressed his profound gratitude as President Jigme conveyed to him that these are donations made by TYC members and Tibetan living all across the world offering our solidarity during these tragic times. TYC thanks our members, chapters and all those who contributed towards this campaign. Thukje Che!