By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, May 6: The Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay today released the Tibetan translation of the book ‘Authenticating Tibet: Answers to China’s 100 Questions’ at Library of Tibetan Works and Archives here at the exile Tibetan government premises.
Speaking at the book launch, the Tibetan PM said, “The book is a response to 100 question and answers on the issue of Tibet by the Chinese government. I have read that in 1990’s when I was in college. So, I was quite perplexed and very curious as to how to respond to 100 questions and answers issued by the Chinese government with all pictures in it. This is an effort by two French Tibetologists along with 15 other co-authors who have compiled all the 100 questions on different topics and have given response as a scholar with substantive comprehensive response to that.”
“From the point of view of history to the political situation, economic situation, cultural situation, it’s very helpful. It’s a must read for every Tibetan for that matter or anyone who is interested on the issue of Tibet. So this is the Tibetan translation of the book which will be of immense help to any Tibetan who is interested particularly in Tibetan studies. So, it’s a great honor for me to attend this book inauguration ceremony today,” added Sangay.
Also present at the book release were Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering, Education Minister Ngodup Tsering, senior officials of Tibetan government in exile, members of Tibetan Parliament, Director of Amnye Machen Institute Tashi Tsering and other researchers.
Authenticating Tibet is China’s 100 questions and Answers on the issue of Tibet was published in 1989. It was first published in French by Anne-marie Blondeau and Kate Buffetrille in 2002, then in English in 2008.
Speaker Penpa Tsering said that it will make a big difference if the scholars can do the work and administration provides the facilities in issues related to politics.
Geshe Lhakdor, Director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, said, “when we first got this book, we felt it was very important for the Tibetans to know this presentation, the answer to the Chinese 100 questions by the researchers who are neither pro-Chinese nor pro-Tibetans. So it’s important whatever is there, people should know.”
He further added that the book published by the LTWA took a little over a year to translate into Tibetan.
