TYC President Gonpo Dhundup and Media Manager Tenzin Lobsang had a meeting with Mr. William J. O’Connor and Mr. Robin Bansel of the US Embassy, along with representatives from other NGOs. They discussed TYC’s campaign initiatives, explored future collaboration opportunities, and expressed gratitude for the US’s constant support for Tibet’s just cause.
Tibetan Youth Congress hosts a lunch and office tour for Gen Wangdue la, president of the Gonpa Association, Shri Rigzin la, president of Ladakh Buddhist Association, and Yangchen la, president of Ladakh Ama Tsokpa, alongside two other dignitaries from the Buddhist community in Kargil. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these associations for their steadfast support of the Tibetan cause.
TYC Vice President and the General Secretary, accompanied by other NGO representatives, convened a dinner meeting with members of the Australian Parliamentarians group, including Senator Deborah O’Neill, MP Michael McCormack, MP David Smith, Zoe Bedford, Catherine and Paul Joseph. Discussions centred around the current situation in Tibet, shedding light on our organization’s efforts over the past 54 years.
Tibetan Youth Congress president Mr. Gonpo Dhundup joined in a four-day International Tibet support group conference convened in Belgium by the Department of Information and International Relations of CTA. With over 170 participants from 42 countries, the discussions focused on the urgent situation in Tibet and efforts to strengthen the international campaign for Tibet’s cause.
TYC Social Service Activity in Bodh Gaya
The Tibetan Youth Congress, one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Tibetan exile communities, consistently extends its social services during the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya or elsewhere in India. This year, TYC conducted its social service campaign from December 20th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2024.
The social service activity was spearheaded by Mr. Tashi Targyal, the Vice President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, alongside Joint Secretary Mr. Tsering Chomphel, Social Service Secretary Mr. Tenzin Jamphel, TYC Media Officer Mr. Tenzin Lobsang, and Tibetan Researcher Mr. Ngawang Yarphel.
On December 2nd, TYC Vice President and the Media Officer travelled to Bodh Gaya to secure permissions from railway stations for installing Tibetan Youth Congress announcement loudspeakers and setting up announcement centres. They engaged with relevant authorities to obtain the necessary permissions to provide social services to devotees and the public. The rest of the team joined them on December 19th,2024.
This year, over 60 volunteers from various age groups participated in providing social services to needy devotees, and they were assigned to different sections of announcement centers, offering essential information in multiple languages, as well as to the Lost and Found sections, assisting devotees in retrieving their belongings. Services were accessible 14/7 at railway stations, supporting the Department of security in maintaining peace and order at the teaching entry gates and around the teaching area.
Overall, TYC successfully provided social services to those in need, receiving expressions of gratitude from devotees through messages and appreciation donations during the teachings.
Following the volunteers’ successful service, TYC typically organizes a day-long pilgrimage around Bodh Gaya. However, this year, due to state governmental transport restrictions, we were unable to facilitate the same for volunteers. Nonetheless, we were honored with an audience with Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang and his eminence Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche, who conveyed words of encouragement and appreciation for TYC’s work.
TYC North America Working Committee Meeting:
On December 3rd, 2023, the President and General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress were warmly received at JFK Airport by the New York and New Jersey Regional Tibetan Youth Congress President and other members. The following day, they visited esteemed former TYC Centrex member and historian, Jamyang Norbu La, providing updates on ongoing campaign activities.
On December 6th, TYC expressed gratitude to Thupten Choenyi La, presenting a thank-you memento for his exceptional commitment to the cause of Tibetan Independence. President Gonpo Dhundup la participated in his one-day program, culminating in an evening public talk in Phildelphia.
20th North America Working Committee Meeting:
From December 9th to 11th, the three-day 20th North America Working Committee Meeting took place in New York. The opening ceremony featured TYC founding member Kalon Trisur Kungo Tethong Tenzin Namgyal la, Gen Jamyang Norbu la, Kungo Kunga Tashi la, and other former TYC Centrex members and the representatives of the NGOs. The meeting involved thorough reviews of chapter budgets, discussions on various agendas, and the adoption of crucial resolutions for the upcoming year. The event concluded with certificate presentations to participants and volunteers, followed by captivating cultural performances by the participants.
On December 11th participants of the North America Working Committee meeting protest outside the United Nations, condemning human rights abuses and genocide in Tibet. The protest was led by RTYC NY&NJ.
Minnesota Visit:
On December 15th, the TYC President and General Secretary were warmly received at Minneapolis airport by the RTYC Minnesota President and Vice President. The visit was in connection with the 25th Founding Anniversary of the RTYC Minnesota. On December 18th, they were invited as Chief Guests for the anniversary celebration, addressing critical situations inside Tibet and highlighting TYC campaign activities.
On December 16th, the TYC President and General Secretary visited TAFM’s Tibetan Culture School, addressing students during their morning assembly and touring classrooms.
On December 29th, TYC leadership, in collaboration with former RTYC New York and New Jersey members, met with New Jersey TYC members and former RTYC NY&NJ Working Committee members. Discussions centered on the pressing situation in Tibet and ongoing TYC activities. On December 31st, they engaged in a successful discussion and donation drive, strengthening campaign efforts. The meeting was attended by some of the former Centrex members, RTYC NY&NJ members along with representatives of the New York-based NGOs.
The year concluded with the TYC President and General Secretary attending the New Year’s Eve party organized by RTYC NY&NJ, where they served as Chief Guests.
The month-long series of events in the US concluded with a commitment to the Tibetan cause, reinforcing ties with regional chapters, honoring dedicated individuals, and strategically planning for the year ahead.
Tibetan Youth Congress extend our heartfelt thanks to Chairman McCaul and the dedicated members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for the unanimous approval of H.R. 533 – The Resolve Act. Your unwavering support in advancing this crucial legislation is deeply appreciated.
The passage of The Resolve Act not only reinforces our stance on the historical independent status of Tibet but also presents a promising step forward in addressing the Sino-Tibet conflict through unconditional dialogue. We recognize the significance of this legislative effort in advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Tibetan people.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Michael McCaul, R-Texas, alongside Senators Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Todd Young, R-Ind for their tireless efforts in introducing and championing this bill. Their dedication to the cause of Tibet has been instrumental in bringing us to this pivotal moment.
To all our friends and supporters who have rallied behind the just cause of Tibet, we extend our sincere thanks. Your solidarity and advocacy have played a crucial role in pushing this legislation to its current stage.
Congratulations are also due to the various organizations and individuals who have contributed to this collective effort. The progress made reflects the collaborative spirit and determination of all those involved.
Once again, thank you for your commitment to justice, human rights, and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the challenges faced by the Tibetan people. We remain hopeful that The Resolve Act will pave the way for a brighter future for Tibet.
Tibetan Youth Congress had the privilege of hosting the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy delegate, President Haung Yu-Lin & Deputy Director Wu Ping-Tsung at the TYC office accompanied by Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa la. We discussed our yearly activities, Tibetan activism, and our vision for the future.
We’re thrilled to share that they were impressed by our work and commitment. We’re looking forward to future collaborations and their invaluable support.
Together, we can make a difference! 🕊️
TYC’s General Secretary, Sonam Tsering La, was invited as the Chief Guest during the closing ceremony of a conference organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Sarah.
During his address, the General Secretary stressed the need to protect and safeguard Tibetan culture, particularly in the face of ongoing cultural challenges and potential cultural genocide in Tibet. His speech resonated with the attendees, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and awareness.
As a token of appreciation for the hard work and dedication exhibited by the RTYC Sarah members, General Secretary Sonam Tsering La presented them with certificates of appreciation.
Gen Tsangtruk Top La, a Senior Lecturer on Tibetan History at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, provided insights into the importance of preserving Tibetan culture. The Vice Principal of Sarah College also addressed the students, adding his perspectives to the discussions regarding the importance of preserving Tibetan heritage.
Tibetan Youth Congress president Gonpo Dhundup joined a 3-day Asia Conference in Tokyo, Japan, organized by ITN. The event provided a crucial space for Tibetan activists and allies to have impactful discussions, evaluate the movement’s advancements, and strengthen our worldwide connections. The conference was also attended by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Delhi Samyeling president along with other Tibetan NGO representatives, Tibetan supporters, and activist across the globe.