The Tibetan Youth Leadership Training at Delhi draws one of its main objectives from the wide scope and inevitable necessity of individual initiative of each and every Tibetan youth in the Tibetan freedom struggle; not only in exile but also, more importantly back in our homeland, Tibet.
The third day of the TYLT was dedicated in exploring new horizons and extents of individual initiative in the Tibetan freedom struggle, with sessions and discussions devoted to personally reflect and chalk out constructive plans and ideas on how an individual can contribute individually towards the freedom struggle.
Aerobics is an art quite alien to Tibetan students, as perceived, when TYC Joint Secretary, Jigme la led the aerobic session with many participants fumbling and messing up the intricate steps being performed to the tune of pulsating beats. Nevertheless the laughter and joyfulness that filled the hall made up in spirit, what the students missed in a few steps and turns. Refreshed, the students sat down to half an hour of spiritual talk conducted by a participant from Varanasi.
The morning sessions were taken by Mr. Lobsang Sastri, Member of Parliament and senior researcher at the Tibetan Library of Works and Archives on the topics, ‘Development of Democracy in Tibetan Exile Community’ and ‘The New Basic Education Policy of the TGIE’. Mr. Lobsang la traced the origin of Tibetan democracy and its gradual development in the exile community with the blessings of H.H. The Dalai Lama. Differentiating the unique system of Tibetan democracy from any other established form of democracy, he remarked that the direct elections of Kalon Tripa marked a great step forward in the development of Tibetan democracy.
Mr. Lobsang la also explained to the participants, the major issues and concerns addressed in the new basic education policy for Tibetans in exile, based on the principles of non-violence and promotion of moral values, as guided by His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
Mr. Lugar Jham, researcher at the Research and Analysis Department of TGIE, conducted the after noon sessions on the topic, ‘Youth Initiative Inside Tibet’. Having born, grown up and spent many years inside Chinese prisons for initiating activities against China, Mr. Lugar Jham was the apposite person to address the topic. While many of the suggestions made and propositions offered demand a certain degree of confidentiality, Mr. Lugar Jham encouraged the students to pursue with their studies and take a professional approach to their respective lines of interest. He reminded the students of the innate obligation on them to carry in their hearts the craving to serve their nation and dedicate their lives towards fulfilling the ultimate aspiration of the Tibetan people. The talks not just encouraged the students to do something for their nation but also opened up to them new ideas and practical methods of translating their nationalism into constructive actions.
TYC has always endeavored to offer open spaces for discussions and personal growth for the younger generation through group discussions and presentations. The evening of the third day saw the participants indulge into serious discussions on two politically and socially relevant topics concerning the Tibetan struggle. Led by a group leader and a secretary each, the five groups carried on with their discussions with much interest and enthusiasm.
As the first half of the TYLT percolated into an enriched memory, which shall be recalled time and again, the participants gathered to an evening full of entertainment and interaction learning new skills and building new bonds.
