DHARAMSHALA, AUGUST 12: Over a hundred representatives from various regional chapters of the Tibetan Youth Congress in India, Nepal and Bhutan met on Monday for the 45th Tibetan Youth Congress Working Committee Meeting in Gangtok, just over 34 miles from India’s border with Tibet.
A modest opening ceremony, held yesterday at Chol – ka Sum Hall, was attended by Kasur Gyalo Dhondup, elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and former Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile government; Sonam Gyatso, Deputy Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly; Sangay Dorje, Additional Director General of Sikkim Police; Thukchu Lachungpa, Former Forest Minister of Sikkim& Current President of Citizen Forum; representatives of local Tibetan assembly, Tibetan NGO’s, local monasteries and local Tibetan residents. R B Subba, Youth Affairs Minister of Sikkim; presided over as the Chief Guest for the function.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, R B Subba said, “I understand that Tibetan Youth Congress is the largest Tibetan NGO in exile and I know that the work you do is very important for Tibet. We believe that basic human rights and freedom should be something that all human beings enjoy. The situation inside Tibet must be resolved soon and I hope and pray that His Holiness will be able to return to a Free Tibet in the near future”.
Chief Guest Kasur Gyalo Dhondup said that the TYC is a very important organization in the Tibetan movement since it provides a platform for our youth to be involved in our struggle. He said that despite ideological differences in the Tibetan society Tibetans must work for the common good of Tibet. “There will be difference in opinions in our society but most importantly we all must work for Tibet,” said the 85 year old former minister in the Tibetan government. He also stated that change is inevitable and change will come to Tibet.
TYC President Tenzing Jigme urged all members of TYC to take responsibility for our movement. He added that we have to be more creative and strategic in our campaigns and recognize that we can all make a difference in our struggle for Tibet.
The 45th Working Committee meeting, being held for the first time in the northeastern Indian city, will be held for six days from Aug 11-16.
Members of the largest pro independence group of the Tibetan Diaspora will have discussions on topics ranging from future campaigns, Tibet’s freedom and independence, security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and strengthening of the organization.
