




With heartfelt gratitude, we hosted a farewell dinner for the 18th Executive Members, whose unwavering commitment, selfless sacrifices, and tireless efforts have kept the flame of our movement burning bright even through the difficult circumstances. Despite countless challenges, they stood firm with courage and unity. As we bid them farewell, we extend our deepest appreciation and warmest wishes for success, happiness, and fulfillment in all their future endeavors. Their legacy of dedication will continue to inspire generations to come.![]()
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The Tibetan Youth Congress President Gonpo Dhundup la and Joint Secretary Tsering Choephel la, embarked on a comprehensive tour of North America on March 7, 2025. The primary objective of the tour was to engage with Tibetans in various regions, encourage their active participation in the Tibetan movement, and strengthen TYC chapter activities.
During the tour, TYC delegation participated in several significant events, including the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day program at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 10, where the President delivered a public talk. They also delivered public talks in various cities, including Boston on March 24, Minnesota on March 30, Chicago on April 1, Wisconsin on April 3, Portland on April 5, and Seattle on April 6. In Seattle, they met with former Regional Chapter members to revitalize and strengthen the chapter.
President and the Joint secretary also engaged with Sunday school students in Minnesota and San Francisco, organizing awareness talks to educate them about the Tibetan cause. They also held public meetings in Utah on April 16, Colorado on April 19, and Washington D.C. on April 23, where they met with Representative Kungo Namgyal Chokdup and former TYC Centrex member Kungo Buchung K. Tsering, Vice President of the International Campaign for Tibet. Additionally, they visited the office of Congressman Jim McGovern, a long-time supporter of Tibet.
In the evening of April 23, a public meeting was held in Washington D.C., attended by former Centrex members and civil servants of the Central Tibetan Administration. The delegation also organized public meetings in New York on April 26 and Philadelphia on April 30. During their visit to Toronto on May 4, they held two public meetings and met with Members of Parliament who have been long-time supporters of Tibet’s just cause.
Throughout the two-month tour, the delegation highlighted the critical situation inside Tibet, emphasizing the importance of strengthening unity amongst Tibetans from the three traditional regions. They also briefed on TYC’s campaign activities aimed at amplifying the sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet.
After a successful tour, the delegation returned to India on May 14, 2025, having strengthened TYC’s presence in North America and reinforced the organization’s commitment to the Tibetan cause.
Bharat Summit
Tibetan Youth Congress General Secretary Sonam Tsering la participated in the two-day Bharat Summit 2025 held in Hyderabad, hosted by the Telangana government and jointly organized by the Global Progressive Alliance and the All India National Congress. The summit brought together delegates from over 100 countries, including 40+ ministers, 50+ senators and members of parliament, and 450 representatives from 100 global organizations.

The summit addressed key issues such as Gender Justice, Counter Disinformation, Youth & Politics, Climate Justice, Overcoming Polarization, Economic Justice, and Peace and Justice in a Multipolar World. During the Q&A session, General Secretary Sonam Tsering la discussed the Tibetan campaign’s efforts to counter Chinese disinformation and sought support from participants in this campaign. During the climate session, he emphasized Tibet’s significance as Asia’s water tower, crucial for water security in Southeast Asian countries, including India. And urged participants to recognize the Tibetan Plateau’s importance in global climate change and environmental discussions. He also highlighted China’s environmental destruction on the Tibetan Plateau through illegal mining and uncontrolled damming activities, stressing the plateau’s role in maintaining the global ecosystem.

During the summit, Sonam Tsering la had the honor of meeting with prominent leaders, including Shri Salman Khurshid, former Minister of External Affairs, Government of India; Shri Kaushik Basu, former Chief Economist of the World Bank and Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India; Masaharu Nakagawa, former Education Minister of Japan and member of the Tibet Support Group; Martin Ziguele, former Prime Minister of the Central African Republic; and Shri Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana. He presented His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s latest book and raised awareness about the critical situation in Tibet, seeking their support for the Tibetan cause.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tibetan Political NGOs Condemn Cremation of Deceased Tibetan Lama in Vietnam Without Family Consent Following his Death in Custody; Demand International Investigation

Body Reportedly Cremated Before Inquiry Fueling Suspicions of Chinese Involvement in Arrest and Death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche
(Dharamshala, 21 April 2025)- Tibetan Political NGOs voice vehement condemnation following reports of cremation of Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche, a highly revered Tibetan leader, without family consent. Rinpoche is reported to have tragically died in custody in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in late March, under suspicious circumstances that demand immediate scrutiny. Disturbing information indicates that Rinpoches’s remains were cremated in Vietnam without the consent of his family. The Rinpoches’ detention, his untimely death in custody, and the subsequent unauthorised cremation constitute grave violations of international legal standards and can be seen to represent a deliberate obstruction of justice, raising serious questions regarding China’s involvement in his apprehension and death.
Tibetan Political NGOs reiterate their urgent demand for a full and transparent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche’s death.
Ju Tenkyong, Amnye Machen Institute said, “In the future, the five monks who came to Vietnam to retrieve Rinpoche’s body will face extreme danger to their safety. Even now, Lung Ngon Monastery is facing immense difficulties, and forwarding and disseminating photos and information about Rinpoche is strictly forbidden. The monastery has been threatened with shutdown if it violates orders from the Chinese government. The reason for the huge secrecy with which Rinpoche’s cremation is being conducted is, not only did the Chinese government murder Rinpoche under an evil strategy, but it is also absolutely clear that it is an attempt to conceal a matter of significance that is on Rinpoche’s body.”
Sonam Tsering, Tibetan Youth Congress said, “We condemn the Vietnamese government’s handling of Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche’s death, including its apparent complicity with China, opaque investigation, and refusal to release his body to his family. International action is needed to hold China accountable for its transnational repression.”
Tsering Dolma, Tibetan Women’s Association added, “The lack of explanation regarding the cause of Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche’s death following his detention is clearly unjust and shows disregard for human dignity. The world must not turn a blind eye as Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche’s final testimony risks remaining in fearful silence. We wish to see light before it turns to ashes.”
Tenzin Passang, Students for a Free Tibet – India said: “The life of the revered spiritual leader, Tulku Hungkar Rinpoche has been extinguished under the cloud of suspicions, followed by the unauthorized cremation of his body without family’s will in a Vietnam under heavy security, strongly suggests a chilling act of transnational repression orchestrated by Chinese authorities.This is not just a loss, it’s an outrage, deliberate disrespect aimed at silencing the truth of his persecution for simply cherishing Tibetan language and culture. The world must rise up and demand immediate, independent international investigation. Justice for Hungkar Rinpoche cannot and will not be reduced to ashes.”
Dr. Lobsang Yangtso, International Tibet Network added, “Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche was a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist Lama who excelled as an educator, philosopher, poet, artist, and writer. He provided spiritual guidance to thousands of followers across the globe. His contributions to Tibet included establishing a hospital, library, and facilities for elderly care. Throughout his life, Rinpoche committed himself to safeguarding and promoting Tibetan language and culture despite ongoing threats from China. His unexpected and suspicious death represents a profound loss that extends beyond the Tibetan community to people worldwide. His legacy continues to motivate a new generation of Tibetans, ensuring that his life’s work and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche, 56, had reportedly escaped into exile in Vietnam after facing relentless persecution from Chinese authorities in Tibet for his unwavering commitment to preserving Tibetan language and cultural identity. Shockingly, credible sources indicate his arrest in Ho Chi Minh City on 25 March in an operation allegedly involving both Vietnamese police and Chinese agents. He died just days later while reportedly in custody. The Vietnamese authorities’ unsubstantiated claim of a heart attack, the denial of family access to his body, and the complete absence of official documentation point to a deliberate cover-up.
This development coincides with deeply troubling reports of an escalated crackdown and intensified security measures in the local area of his monastery in Golog, Tibet, further fueling global concern and demands for immediate international intervention. Tibetan NGOs are also deeply concerned for the well-being of the monks in Golog, where eyewitness accounts detail an immediate and intense crackdown at his monastery—surveillance has spiked, movement is heavily restricted, and monks and laypeople face ongoing intimidation.
Tibetan Political NGOs are:
Media Contacts:
Sonam Tsering, Tibetan Youth Congress, +91 7590920978 gensec@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Dr. Lobsang Yangtso, International Tibet Network, +91 8826507768 lobsang@tibetnetwork.org
Tenzin Lekdhen, Students for a Free Tibet India, +91 8351807484 lekdhen@studentsforafreetibet.org
NOTES TO EDITORS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fear Mounts over Imminent Cremation of Tibetan Buddhist Leader Who Died In Detention in Vietnam After Reportedly Escaping Chinese-Occupied Tibet
18 April – The suspicious death of Tibetan leader, Tulku Hungkar Dorje in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in late March 2025 following his unjust arrest by Vietnamese authorities, has reached a critical juncture, with sources indicating that the cremation of Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s body may be imminent. Tibet Groups call on the Vietnamese government to stop the cremation from occurring until an independent investigation can take place and for international governments to intervene to demand justice for this highly respected Buddhist leader.

Ju Tenkyong, Director of the Amnye Machen Institute said, “According to sources, Chinese officials from Tibet and the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam have instructed Tibetan monks from Lung-Ngon Monastery to prepare for the imminent cremation of Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s body in Vietnam, pending completion of ‘paperwork’, with conditions including no photos or videos during the ceremony and no attendance by Vietnamese Buddhists. The monks have raised concerns, asking how they’ll answer to the Rinpoche’s family without documentation. They have not been informed about the timing of the paperwork or cremation.”
A cremation without investigation would risk the permanent destruction of vital evidence and would constitute a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. With Chinese President Xi Jinping just having visited Vietnam, [1] Tibet Groups are deeply concerned based on sources close to the family and the monastery that this amounts to blatant transnational repression [2] orchestrated by Beijing to cover up the silencing of a Tibetan leader, further highlighting the urgent need for international scrutiny and accountability.

This development coincides with deeply concerning reports of an escalated crackdown and intensified security measures in the local area of his monastery in Golog, Tibet, further fueling global concern and demands for immediate international intervention. Tibet Groups are also deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the monks in Golog, Tibet, where eyewitness accounts detail an immediate and intense crackdown at his monastery—surveillance has spiked, movement is heavily restricted, and monks and laypeople face ongoing intimidation. [3]
Tulku Hungkar Dorje, 56, had reportedly escaped into exile in Vietnam after facing relentless persecution from Chinese authorities in Tibet for his unwavering commitment to preserving Tibetan language and cultural identity. Shockingly, credible sources indicate his arrest in Ho Chi Minh City on 25 March in an operation allegedly involving both Vietnamese police and Chinese agents. He died just days later while reportedly in custody. The Vietnamese authorities’ unsubstantiated claim of a heart attack, the denial of family access to his body, and the complete absence of official documentation point to a deliberate cover-up. [4]
Dr. Lobsang Yangtso, International Tibet Network said, “We are now in a race against time. Sources confirm that Chinese officials are actively preparing for Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s cremation in Vietnam—with strict conditions: no photos, no videos, and no public. We are urging governments to act immediately—diplomatic statements are not enough. Pressure must be applied now to stop the cremation, preserve the body, and demand an independent investigation before it’s too late.”
Tenzin Lekdhen, Students for a Free Tibet-India added, “Around the world, Tibetans are fearing the worst: that Tulku Hungkar Dorje was abducted, tortured, and killed by Chinese agents for his efforts to preserve Tibetan culture, language, and religion. By cremating his body without allowing for any independent investigation of his death, the Chinese government abandons any chance of ever changing the minds of Tibetans everywhere. This blatant state violence only further reinforces the reality that the Chinese government relies on coercion and violence to rule Tibet—and lacks all legitimacy in the eyes of the Tibetan people.”
Sonam Tsering, Tibetan Youth Congress said, “The news of the imminent cremation is a chilling escalation. Both the Vietnamese government and the Chinese Communist regime must be held directly responsible for ensuring the preservation of Tulku Hungkar’s remains. Any attempt to cremate his body before a thorough and independent investigation is conducted, is equivalent to partaking in this criminal conspiracy, and tantamount to complicity in the death of Tulku Hungkar Rinpoche. If conducted, it must be met with the strongest international condemnation and consequences.”
Tibetans and Tibet supporters urgently implore the international community to:
Failure to act decisively now will not only deny justice to Tulku Hungkar Dorje and his community but will also set a dangerous precedent, emboldening further PRC repression in Tibet.
CONTACTS:
Sonam Tsering, Tibetan Youth Congress, 7590920978 gensec@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Lobsang Yangtso, International Tibet Network,+918826507768 lobsang@tibetnetwork.org
Tenzin Lekdhen, Students for a Free Tibet India, 8351807484 lekdhen@studentsforafreetibet.org
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[New Delhi, India] – In a profound demonstration of solidarity, a significant number of Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) officially signed a Joint Declaration supporting the safeguarding of human rights and the unique religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity of the Tibetan people. This includes the fundamental and exclusive right of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people to choose their religious leaders according to established religious and historical traditions. This extraordinary action is a direct result of a major advocacy week organised by the Tibet Advocacy Alliance–India. [1]
The Joint Declaration [2] articulates, “We come together to send a resounding message to China: we stand with the Tibetan people in support of their right to religious and cultural freedoms.”
This remarkable demonstration of solidarity conveys an unequivocal message: India supports the cultural and religious rights of the Tibetan people and does not tolerate external forces dictating the spiritual leadership and institutions of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India, a national coalition of leading Tibetan NGOs, actively engaged with MPs in New Delhi throughout the week. The discussions focused on the urgent need to protect and safeguard Tibetan culture, recognise religious rights, and mobilise robust, substantial parliamentary support for the spiritual leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, protect Tibetan cultural heritage, and highlight the deteriorating political and social crisis in Tibet.
The culmination of this dedicated effort was the successful procurement of signatures from 46 Members of Parliament on a formal statement explicitly conveying their unwavering support for the Tibetan people’s religious rights and cultural practices. This significant and expanding initiative underscores the profound respect and considerable admiration that His Holiness the Dalai Lama elicits in the Indian Parliament and within Indian public society in general, thereby directly highlighting the significance they place on his leadership and the crucial importance of sustaining and bolstering his altruistic endeavours.
Concurrently, with the release of the Joint Declaration, several signatories articulated their individual positions on the historical, traditional, and cultural rights of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan religious institutions to determine his reincarnation, free from Beijing’s machinations.
Raju Bista, a Member of Parliament from West Bengal: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound contributions to religious harmony and global peace extend far beyond the Buddhist community, benefiting all humanity. Furthermore, the authority and right to determine the next Dalai Lama rest solely with His Holiness and those he designates. I assure the Tibetan community, along with the people from Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars, my fellow Indian MPs and I stand firmly with our Tibetan brothers and sisters in their pursuit of religious and cultural freedoms.”
Dr Sasmit Patra, a Member of Parliament from Odisha: “The reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism is rooted in the continuity of the noble work and legacy of the institute of the Dalai Lama. As such, the sole authority on succession matters lies with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan people and those he entrusts. As such, no external forces have the right to interfere in this sacred process of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners.”
Sujeet Kumar, a Member of Parliament from Odisha: “The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama holds utmost significance amongst the traditions and culture of the Tibetans. China wants to control this process of reincarnation, which is very ironic, because Communist China is an atheist country and they want to control this process of reincarnation so that they can continue with their draconian repression of the Tibetan people”.
Dr. Lobsang Yangtso, a representative of Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India: “The enthusiastic and concrete support demonstrated by Indian MPs sends a clear message of support and solidarity to the Tibetan people. Their commitment to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s spiritual leadership is deeply appreciated and provides crucial strength in our ongoing efforts.”
The Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India expresses confidence that this fervent demonstration of support from across the political spectrum of India for Tibet and its people will act as a significant precursor to an enhanced resistance against China’s efforts to sinicize Tibet’s religious and cultural heritage.
For any additional communication, kindly reach out to one of the following individuals:
Sonam Tsering, General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress (For Communication in Tibetan): +91 7590920978 / gensec@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tenzin Nyima, General Secretary of the Tibetan Women’s Association (For Communication in Hindi): +91 9816036940 / tibwomen@gmail.com
Tenzin Lekdhen, Campaign’s Director, Students for a Free Tibet-India (For Communication in English): +91 8351807484 / lekdhen@studentsforafreetibet.org
Notes to Editors:
1. Tibet Advocacy Alliance – India Member Groups:
– Tibetan Youth Congress
– Tibetan Women’s Association
– National Democratic Party of Tibet
– Students for a Free Tibet- India
– International Tibet Network
2. Future of Tibet Declaration: https://tibetnetwork.org/future-of-tibet-reincarnation-rights-declaration/
On April 11, 2025, the Tibetan Youth Congress organized a protest against the sudden and mysterious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a distinguished Tibetan lama who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Tibetan language and culture. The protest was coordinated by Tibetan Youth Congress Central Executive Committee, along with RTYC Rohini and Delhi Samyeling chapters, and took place in front of the Vietnamese and Chinese Embassies from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM.

Prior to the protest at the Chinese Embassy, Tibetan Youth Congress General Secretary Sonam Tsering delivered a formal letter to officials at the Vietnamese Embassy. The letter called for a transparent investigation into Tulku’s death and detention. Detailed his lifelong social work and religious activities for the wellbeing of all sentient beings, and requested an independent examination of his body and disclosure of findings regarding his sudden death.
The letter also demanded the return of his remains to his monastic institution and family members for proper religious rites and cremation ceremonies in accordance with Buddhist traditions.
Urged Vietnam to uphold universal human rights and freedom by refusing to participate in cross-border repression.
Embassy officials accepted the letter and promised to respond after submitting it to the Ambassador and the head of the political section. Following the letter submission, protesters conducted a photo action condemning Vietnamese involvement in Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s mysterious death.
After the action at the Vietnamese Embassy, 17 activists proceeded to protest in front of the Chinese Embassy, where they condemned the harassment and killing of the Tibetan Tulku in Vietnam. Demanded a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into his sudden and mysterious death. Also called for the return of his body to his relatives and monastic institutions for religious rites and cremation ceremonies as per the Buddhist tradition.

Notably, an unusually large police presence was deployed around the Chinese Embassy, but the activists successfully highlighted Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s case.
Following the protest, the activists were detained at Narela police custody on the Delhi border and released in the evening. During detention, the time was productively used for discussion among the activists. Three former RTYC Rohini members who are currently involved in research in various capacities, along with the TYC General Secretary, shared insights on: The significance of continuing to organize protest campaigns and similar events.
The protest was considered a resounding success in terms of media coverage and garnering international attention to this serious matter.

The Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India conducted its second advocacy campaign from March 17th to 28th, 2025, during the Indian Parliament’s budget session. The primary goal of this initiative is to advocate for the Indian government’s support in adopting resolutions that back the Tibetan cause and push for a concrete policy to resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict.

The alliance met with 56 members of parliament and dignitaries, including the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and the current Governor of Himachal Government. They provided updates on the critical situation inside Tibet to 44 members of parliament who are meeting for the first time, while 12 had been met during the first advocacy campaign. The advocacy representatives presented His Holiness’ latest book and wall hangings as gifts, along with a five-point appeal letter.

The campaign achieved a significant milestone with 46 members of parliament signing a joint statement supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation rights and the cultural and religious rights of the Tibetans.
The advocacy group also submitted a letter to the Bhutanese embassy in New Delhi condemning Bhutan for succumbing to Chinese propaganda by referring to Tibet as “Xizang”.
The Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India aims to strengthen action on Tibet through coordinated advocacy efforts. Member groups include: Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet-India and International Tibet Network.
Commemoration of Tibetan National Uprising Day

On March 10, 2025, the Tibetan Youth Congress, in collaboration with the Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for a Free Tibet, organized a protest rally in Dharamshala to commemorate the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day.
Preparations for the event began a month in advance, with artists and volunteers gathering to create posters and banners. These were then displayed throughout Dharamshala to raise awareness among foreign tourists and remind Tibetans of the significance of March 10th.
Before the day of the protest, the Tibetan National Flag was proudly raised and hanged along Mcleod Street, and announcements were made to gather the public. As the rally progressed, banners were carried, and slogans were chanted as the crowd marched through Dharamshala.
The event at Dharamshala commenced with addresses from the TYC Vice President and the President of the Indo-Tibet Friendship Association. The President of the Tibetan Women’s Association and the SFT-India President also read out Hindi and English statements on behalf of the four NGOs.
The TYC Centrex, RTYC Samyeling, and RTYC Rohini jointly organized the commemoration event in Delhi. Preparations began on March 8th, with a meeting at Majnu Katilla to distribute tasks and create banners.

On March 9th, the TYC General Secretary, Social Media officer along with the RTYC Samyeling team briefed college student activists on the protest plan outside the Chinese Embassy. The next morning, protesters gathered outside the embassy, condemning China’s occupation and cultural genocide in Tibet. Although detained at Nirmala police station at the outskirt of Delhi, they were released in the evening.
Upon their return, RTYC Samyeling and RTWA Samyeling welcomed them with scarves, followed by a candlelight march at Majnu Katilla. The Peace Rally from Janpath to Jantar Mantar, was participated by the Tibetans in Delhi and demanded freedom and justice for Tibet. TYC General Secretary and Kungo Archarya Yeshi Phuntsok la, along with other Indian supporters and Dawa Tsering la, one of the participants of TYC indefinite hunger strike in 1998 in Delhi addressed the gathering, encouraging continued participation in the freedom movement.
Tibetan Youth Congress Organisational Secretary Yeshi Chomphel la joined the North East Tibetan Youth Congress regional chapters in commemorating the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day in Guwahati. He read out the TYC statement and addressed the gathering, which drew over 500 participants from the north-east region.

The event featured a peace rally from Shir Gham to 6 Mile, promoting awareness and solidarity. Furthermore, 50 activists led by RTYC Gangtok President Tsephel la participated in a protest program outside the Assam Assembly, raising awareness about the Tibetan cause. Although they were detained for over six hours, they were eventually released.