By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, May 26: The two-day International Rangzen Conference concluded on Sunday at India International Centre in New Delhi with participants resoling to re-affirming their stance on Rangzen (complete independence).
“The Conference reaffirms that in order to fulfill the enduring goal of restoring our nationhood, generations of Tibetans both within and without Tibet must carry on the struggle with unflinching faith and determination,” said Tenzin Tsundue, a member of the Organising Committee.
The conference concluded with ‘Delhi Declaration’ that includes a prelude and a four point commitments – The Tibetan Freedom Struggle, The Critical Situation inside Tibet, To Promote Unity Among Tibetans and Garnering International Support.
The Declaration states that the conference respects the official stance of the Tibetan Government and resolves to promote unity among Tibetans by practicing patience and tolerance in the face of wrongful accusations being labeled against Rangzen advocates by certain sections of the society.
Around a hundred Tibetan activists, students and community leaders from India, Nepal, United States of America and Europe attended the conference on May 23 and 24 marking the 64th year of Chinese occupation of Tibet and imposition of the infamous “Seventeen Point Agreement” in 1951.
The conference reviewed the 60 years of the Tibetan freedom movement and discussed issues ranging from the ongoing crisis in Tibet to finding creative and practical steps in the freedom movement.
“The basic perception and parameters of the discussions are fresh and new. Unlike their parents’ generation, the youth do not see a contradiction in standing for a policy different from the one proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and yet having deepest love and respect for him as their leader. The youth love the Dalai Lama, they see him as the champion of love and compassion in the entire world,” observed Vijay Kranti, senior journalist and Tibet supporter.
Dr Arun Kumar, Indian Member of Parliament, presided over the inaugural ceremony of the conference and assured support for the Tibetan Independence movement. A book of essays in Tibetan and English on the independence of Tibet was also launched during the conference.
While the larger part of the conference was closed door there were two panel discussions for public in collaboration with India International Centre on ‘Tibet and India’s Security’ and ‘Tibet at the Threshold of Globalization’. The panelists for the discussions are Mohan Guruswamy, Strategic Analyst; Vikram Sood, Former Head of RAW; TCA Gopalchari, Former Ambassador; Claude Arpi, Tibetologist; Bharat Karnad, Security and Strategic Analyst; Professor Ashis Nandy, Social Scientist; and Rajiv Vora, Gandhian.
“The speakers in the first panel discussion ‘Tibet and Indian’s Security’ like Bharat Karnad, Gururswamy, Rangachari and Claude Arpi were damn right pragmatic talking about economics, military and geo-strategic calculations, and provoked us to think again. But it was Prof Ashis Nandy’s view on Tibetan civilization and Gandhian Rajiv Vora ji’s view on Tibet as a Swaraj saying that Tibet can be a remedy for China’s mad rush for consumerism that gave me great sense of confidence as a Tibetan,” said Tenzin Dolma, one of the student delegates from Baroda. “I feel there is much to learn and unlearn.” she added.
“I have been awakened more by these two panel discussions and the closed door Tibetan meeting than my education in Tibetan school.” said another student from Delhi University. “I am so excited being among Rangzen heroes and thinkers. I wish this conference happens every year. There would be so much more youth participation” he added.
The conference was organized by individuals, both Tibetans and Indians, who don’t quite agree with the exile Tibetan government’s position of seeking autonomy from China. The whole expense for the conference came from donations, mostly from individual Tibetans around the world. The organizers thanked all the donors for their contribution.
