DHARAMSHALA, July 26: The largest pro independence group of the Tibetan Diaspora on Friday began its 46th Working Committee Meeting in Samyeling Tibetan Refugee Settlement in Delhi. 130 executive members from 35 regional chapters around the world have gathered at the Chushigangdruk Complex in Majnu Ka Tilla, a transit colony of sorts for Tibetan travelers from various parts of the world.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative in the Indian capital, Tempa Tsering, who has himself been on the TYC Executive for two terms, presided over as the Chief Guest for the opening session of the six day meeting.
The former Tibetan minister and bureaucrat commended the TYC for many years of service to the Tibetan people and the Tibet movement. He, however, rued the waning support for TYC among the general public due to a few individual members of TYC directing their criticism towards the Tibetan exile government (Central Tibetan Administration) for the failure of talks with China. “Ours is a democracy, and in a democratic society difference in ideology and opinions are not only natural but everyone has the right to hold one’s own stance. As a democratic society we must respect difference of opinion,” said Tsering.
Extending his welcome to all the members, TYC President Tenzing Jigme said, “We are gathering here with such warmth in our heart and feeling deeply blessed just after the recent Long Life prayer Tenshug offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.”
Expressing concerns about TYC’s own share of controversy over March 10 uprising and the aftermath, Jigme said, “TYC welcomes and celebrates difference of opinion and we debate thoroughly within the organization on outstanding issues. But we must all respect the uncompromising goal of Independence for Tibet. Those who do not have it, they are free to join other organizations.”
Talking about the controversial elections of the New York New Jersey regional chapter Mr Jigme said, “Every TYC member must respect the TYC Charter. One cannot selectively follow the rules. The rules make sense when they are followed in whole.”
