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: Statements
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.
CANDLELIGHT PEACE RALLY TO CONDEMN CHINA’S FORCED CLOSURE OF THE ESTEEMED RAGYA GANGJONG SHERIG NORBU SCHOOL IN GOLOG
The Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with seven NGOs in Dharamshala, organized a candlelight peace rally to condemn China’s forced closure of the esteemed Ragya Gangjong Sherig Norbu school in Golog. The rally aimed to stand in solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and condemn Chinese repression.
MEETING WITH STUDENTS AND CIVIL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVE FROM GANGTOK(SIKKIM)
The Vice President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, along with representatives from other Tibetan NGOs, met with students and civil society representatives from Gangtok in Sikkim, at the Tibetan settlement hall, and briefed them on TYC’s campaign activities.
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.
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.
COMMEMORATION OF 65TH TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY
Commemoration of the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala
In Dharamshala, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for Free Tibet, united to honor the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day. Preparatory meetings were diligently conducted to draft a joint statement in English, Tibetan, and Hindi, outlining campaign actions to be undertaken on March 10th.
Posters were distributed across Dharamshala to raise awareness among tourists and to remind Tibetans of the significance of this historic date.
On March 3rd, volunteers from Dharamshala congregated at TYC office to inscribe slogans and demands on placards and banners. Hand-written banners symbolized our collective commitment to the cause, fostering a sense of solidarity and activism against Chinese repression.
After a month of meticulous planning and placard preparations, we marked the 10th March Tibetan National Uprising Day by distributing flags, slogan pamphlets, and the joint statement. Participants’ faces were adorned with Tibetan flags and symbols, reflecting the struggles endured during our years in exile. The atmosphere surrounding the Temple area on March 10th was charged with inspiration, as flags fluttered and slogans reverberated among Tibetans.
Following the official program at the Dalai Lama Temple, we embarked on a march to Kacheri, with thousands of Tibetans chanting slogans in unison. The peace march witnessed participation from the broader Tibetan community, including nuns, students, and monks from nearby institutions.
Upon arrival at Kacheri, after an arduous hour-long march under the blazing sun, we commenced the program by honoring the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a minute of silence to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Tibetan martyrs.
Subsequently, commemorative songs were sung, and the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress delivered a poignant speech on behalf of the four NGOs. He conveyed greetings and voiced grievances over the ongoing suffering of Tibetans under Chinese repression, emphasizing the necessity for continued protests to denounce Chinese occupation and amplify the voices of Tibetans inside Tibet. Gratitude was expressed to the government and Tibet support groups for their unwavering support to the Tibetan cause.
The President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet, Mr. Tashi Dhondup, then read the Tibetan statement, followed by Miss Tenzin Passang, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet India, who read the English statement. The event, hosted by the President of the Tibetan Women’s Association, was a resounding success, attracting a large public turnout and reaffirming our collective commitment to the cause of Tibet.
65th Tibetan National Uprising Day Commemoration in Delhi
The 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day was commemorated in Delhi with a peaceful rally from Janpath Metro Station to Jantar Mantar. The event was jointly organized by TYC Centrex, along with RTYC Rohini, RTYC Delhi Samyeling, and RTYC Chandigarh, SFT Delhi, RTWA, BTSM, ITCO, and VTag members.
During the rally, participants raised slogans highlighting the critical situation inside Tibet and demanded the Chinese communist regime to halt its forced relocation policies and damming projects in Tibet. The gathering was marked by passionate speeches, with Mr. Yeshi Chomphel la, the Organizational Secretary of Tibetan Youth Congress, emphasizing the significance of commemorating this important date and the importance of our collective efforts in fulfilling the aspirations of Tibetans inside Tibet through organized campaign activities.
Mr. Pankaj Goyal, the General Secretary of BTSM, along with Professor Anand from JNU, Mr. Vijay Kranti, and Venerable Archaya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, also addressed the gathering, condemning the Chinese regime’s continued repression in Tibet.
A significant number of Tibetans participated in the protest rally to honor the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day.
On March 11th, more than 40 activists from the Tibetan Youth Congress staged a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy, demanding an end to the forced relocation and damming projects in Tibet, and calling for an end to Chinese repression in the region. Amidst the bustling traffic, our activists raced towards the embassy, holding placards condemning Chinese oppression in Tibet and advocating for freedom in the region. They were subsequently detained but later released in the late afternoon.
In recognition of their dedication, a Khatak was offered to them by the organizations and associations in front of the Samyeling Monastery, where the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress emphasized the importance of such protest campaigns in demonstrating solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and amplifying their voices on the international stage.
Statement on the 50th Year founding anniversary of the Tibetan Youth Congress
Global Movement to Boycott Made in China
TYC’s Press Statement in English on the Official Launch of the Global Movement to Boycott Made in China
11 July 2020, McLeod Ganj: Around 70 protestors joined for the TYC Global Movement to Boycott Made in China in Mcleod Square today. This protest was done as a continuation of the virtual #MakeChinaAccountable2020 Campaign which accuses China of the spread of the global pandemic, for the blatant violation of Human Rights in Tibet, Uyghur, Southern Mongolia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The Global Movement to Boycott Made in China calls to stop the purchase and use of products Made in China since all the money that we pay for these products goes into the wrong hands which ultimately leads to a result affecting our lives.
On 11th July, TYC members and activists burned the effigy of Chinese President Xi Jiping along with products Made in China. The members and activists pledged not to use or purchase products Made in China.
