TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY MARKED BY GLOBAL DEMONSTRATIONS

Tibetan National Uprising Day Marked by Global Demonstrations

On March 10, 2023, Tibetans worldwide came together to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. In Dharamshala, a significant gathering of Tibetans from various states in India and overseas congregated to express their grievances against China’s policies. Five NGOs organized a nationalistic peace march denouncing China’s practices, including the mass collection of Tibetan DNA samples, the sinicization of Tibetan culture, the implementation of massive surveillance systems, the existence of colonial Chinese boarding schools, and the arbitrary imprisonment of Tibetan intellectuals.

The Vice President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Mr Tashi Targyal delivered a powerful speech at a public gathering, highlighting the crucial need for unity among Tibetans in countering the ongoing atrocities committed by Chinese forces in Tibet.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President emphasized the significance of standing together as a unified front to confront the challenges posed by the Chinese government. The atrocities and human rights violations carried out by Chinese authorities in Tibet have been a grave concern for the Tibetan community, necessitating a strong and united response.

The Vice President’s speech resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective action to raise awareness, advocate for human rights, and work towards a resolution for the Tibetan cause. The Tibetan Youth Congress continues to play a vital role in mobilizing Tibetans and raising international awareness about the ongoing situation in Tibet.

 

PROTEST ON VISIT OF CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QING GANG AT CHINESE EMBASSY IN NEW DELHI

Prior to the Chinese Foreign Minister Qing Gang’s arrival at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi on February 27, 2023, the activist of Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, and the National Democratic Party of Tibet staged a protest.

Tibetan exiles are detained by police during a protest against the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who is scheduled to participate in G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, near the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, India, March 1, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave

During the protest, our activists attempted to impede Qing Gang’s entry, displaying banners with messages such as “Qing Gang, Go Back” and “G20 Protect Tibetan Children.” However, the protest was met with intervention from Indian police constables, resulting in the protesters being restrained, their banners torn, and their calls for attention silenced.

Police detain a Tibetan exile during a protest against the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who is scheduled to participate in G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, near the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, India, March 1, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave

Our activists aimed to draw attention to the demands and concerns regarding Tibet, particularly the well-being and protection of Tibetan children. Later, our protesters were detained in the custody.

TIBETAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ORGANIZED BY TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS AT TIPA

On the third day of the Tibetan New Year, which coincided with February 23, 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organized a grand New Year event to celebrate Losar, the Tibetan New Year. The event took place at the TIPA ground, attracting more than 1000 attendees.

The New Year event aimed to provide a festive and joyful atmosphere for the Tibetan community to celebrate Losar, specifically marking the year of Water-Rabbit according to the Tibetan Calendar. The gathering featured various entertaining activities, including traditional circle dances, games, and musical solo song performances.

By organizing such programs, the Tibetan community in and around Dharamshala can come together to have a joyous Losar celebration even in a distant land.

 

These cultural events play a vital role in maintaining and promoting the rich heritage of Tibet, fostering community spirit, and providing a sense of connection for Tibetans living in the diaspora. The grand TYC Losar event this year has successfully revived and rejuvenated the Losar celebrations earlier organized by the TYC, bringing happiness and a sense of togetherness to the Tibetan community in Dharamshala during this important cultural festival.

 

COMMEMORATE THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OFTHE 13TH DALAI LAMA’S PROCLAMATION REITERATING TIBET’S INDEPENDENCE

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.

 

GLOBAL WEEK OF ACTION

During the Global Week of Action, which commenced a week ago, various organizations from around the world came together to advocate for a common cause. On February 3, 2023, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), along with the Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for a Free Tibet, India, joined forces with 120 organizations worldwide in a united Global Week of Action.

The primary demand during this week of action was for the Chinese government to cease its forced collection of DNA from Tibetans. This practice raises concerns about privacy violations, human rights abuses, and the potential misuse of genetic information. By participating in the Global Week of Action, the TYC and other organizations aimed to raise awareness about this issue and apply collective pressure on the Chinese government to halt these actions.

 

The collaboration of these organizations underscores the solidarity and shared commitment among various global entities to protect the rights and dignity of Tibetans. The joint efforts during the Global Week of Action amplify the voices calling for an end to the forced DNA collection and bring attention to the human rights concerns faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule.

NED SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER PEMA TULOTSANG VISITS AT TYC OFFICE

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.

 

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE STUDENTS GROUP VISIT

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.

KUNGO SIKYONG PENPA TSERING, THE PRESIDENT AND SPEAKER KHENPO SONAM TENPHEL OF THE OF THE TIBETAN PARLIAMENTIN-EXILE VISITED THE VOLINTEER DESK

Kungo Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the President, and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile visited the volunteer desk

On January 2, 2023, Kungo Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the President, and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile visited the volunteers who had participated in the 15 Days of Social Services program organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) during the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. During their visit, they interacted with TYC President and expressed admiration for the organization’s noble social contributions.

TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE AT BODH GAYA DURING HIS HOLINESS THE 14TH DALA LAMA TEACHING

On December 23, 2022, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama commenced his public teaching in Bodh Gaya, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. As usual, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organized a voluntary social service campaign to support the event.

Prior to the teaching, the volunteers arrived in Bodh Gaya to prepare for their responsibilities. The TYC established an announcement centre to disseminate information about the teaching proceedings and necessary announcements in over six languages. The volunteers took on various roles, including providing reception assistance at different railway stations, healthcare services, ensuring public security, and offering assistance to anyone who needed help or had misplaced belongings.

In addition to their assigned tasks, the TYC volunteers also assisted the security guards responsible for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s safety. Their dedication and support received significant public appreciation for the services rendered by the Tibetan Youth Congress Volunteers. The volunteer group primarily consisted of college students, and more than 70 volunteers provided aid to the pilgrims attending the teachings in Bodh Gaya.

The volunteer services were led by TYC President Gonpo Dhundup, Vice President Tashi Targyal, Joint Secretary Tsering Chomphel, and Accountant Tsamcho. The 15-day volunteer service campaign proved to be a tremendous success, showcasing the TYC volunteers’ commitment to prioritizing the welfare of others before themselves.

The efforts of the TYC volunteers during this period exemplify their dedication to community service and supporting important events within the Tibetan community. Their selfless commitment and hard work contributed to the overall success of the teaching event in Bodh Gaya.

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