Two day Seminar on “Himalayan Security and Environment” was held in Gangtok (Sikkim) at the Community Hall, which was organized by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause and India Tibet Coordination Office, New Delhi from June 26-27, 2004.
The inaugural function with a congregation of more than 200 people which was presided over by Mr. P.T. Gyamtso (M.P. Rajya Sabha) as the Chief guest. Mr. M.A. Kherbela Swain (M.P. Lok Sabha) as the special guest of honor, other eminent personalities present were professors and head of the various Tibet support groups.
In the welcome speech Dr. K.C. Agnihotri (National Co-convener Core Group for Tibetan Cause) remarked on the appropriateness of holding the seminar in the Sikkim.
Mr. Kherbela stress on the strategic security of the Himalayan region which he felt was very important and further told that he will press upon the Union government to come forward more proactively on behalf of the Tibetan people.
Mr. Gyamtso, in turn, asked all the participants to think seriously about the Tibetan issue.
On second day the seminar commenced at Hotel Tibet, with a discussion on the ways to create awareness on the Himalayan security and environment and establishment of working groups to strengthen the movement, where a new group “Himalayan Eco Watch” headed by Dr. Yongzon was formalized. The group will have six executive members for now subject to an increase as per the need. An awareness march on the need of protection of Himalayan environment was taken out from Hotel Tibet through M.G. Marg to Star Hotel, which was participated by more than 250 people consisting of delegates, students and local Gangtok people. After the rally more than 100 saplings were planted at Smriti Van in Bulbulay, Gangtok.
In the second session of the final day, a declaration on Himalayan Security and Environment was unanimously passed by the meeting.
In the valedictory function Mr. Nakul Dass Ray, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) was the Chief Guest, and Mr. P.T. Gyamtso was also present. Mr. Nakul ji has shown great interest for the Tibetan cause and gave assurance that he will provide his maximum support for the just cause of Tibet.
The two day seminar was concluded by singing the national anthem of India and Tibet.
