By Phurbu Thinley
Phayul Correspondent
Dharamsala, October 7 – The 37th founding anniversary day of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan non-governmental organization in the exiled Tibetan community was observed here with fun and renewed pledge for the restoration of Tibet’s lost independence.
The official function organised by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) of Dharamsala, was held in the late afternoon here at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and followed by multi-cultural show later in the evening at TIPA hall.
The function, which lasted for about two hours, began with Tibetan National Anthem followed by observation of a minute-long mourning in memory of brave Tibetan martyrs and the RTYC members singing the youth congress song.
The former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) of the exiled Tibetan Government, Mr. Sonam Topgyal; Lhasang Tsering, former President and a long time active member of TYC; Mr. Dawa Rinchen, General Secretary of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society were among the guests of honour present during the function.
Mr. Sonam Topgyal felicitated both the outgoing and the newly elected executive committee members of the RTYC with scarves. Mr. Samten Lhundup is now the new president of the RTYC, Dharamsala.
In his opening speech, the outgoing President of the regional youth congress, Mr. Sonam Wangdue, while stressing on the importance of the day, said that the primary goal of TYC to restore Tibet’s lost independence is clear and will remain consistent.
Sherab Woeser of the TYC’s central executive member, on the other, said that TYC’s stand for the complete restoration of Tibetan independence is completely justifiable and advocated that more active participation from the Tibetan masses is, however, instrumental to sustain Tibetan freedom struggle.
The General Secretary of the regional chapter, Mr. Ngawang Samdup, read out the working report of RTYC for the last three years and its present financial position.
The final game of Youth Congress basketball tournament was also played here during the function between the Security and Suja School’s staff team. The Security team won the game scoring 48 points and Suja team trailing by 21 points.
Mr. Lhasang gave away the prizes before the official function concluded here.
TYC was first founded on 7 October 1970 in Dharamsala, the seat of the Dalai Lama led Tibetan Government in Exile, as a youth movement to regain Tibet’s independence as a result of forceful and illegal occupation of Tibet by the Communist China in 1949.
