By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Sept 27: The former political prisoner welfare group Gu-Chu-Sum today commemorated its 25th Anniversary, kicking off their 7th General Body meeting here. The 3 day meet will elect new executive members and deliberate on reviewing various rules and directives of the Dharamshala based organisation.
Former Tibetan political prisoner and the organisation’s President Lukar Jam Atsok recounted how the organisation was established over two decades ago in humble circumstances by a few likeminded newly arrived Tibetans and that now the organisation is at a relatively stable and recognised.
He said, “Among the various objectives of the organisation, the prime objective is to create awareness of the plight of the political prisoners who are languishing in Chinese jails, on the global stage as well as to help rehabilitate former political prisoners who have escaped into exile.”
The former Sikyong candidate also urged the Tibetans to hold their sight firmly on the dynamics in the “fragile political climate” in the communist China where the seemingly global power could implode and pave ways for a political solution for Tibet.
The Chief guest for the event, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Acharya Yeshi Phunstok expressed gratitude at the sacrifices of the Tibetan political prisoners, likening their role to the Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi who fought against a colonial rule for his own country and its people. In his address, he encouraged the organisation to put into implementation the resolutions that are tabled at the general meeting.
Acharya also said that the organisation should strive to give voice to the plight of the political prisoners at a global stage and also rehabilitate the former political prisoners and their families and transform Gu-Chu-Sum into an exemplary organisation.
Former Kalon Rinchen Khandro, MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, local dignitaries and representatives of various NGO’s were also present at the event.
