By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, July 18: Tibetan student body ‘All India Tibetan Student Association’s Meet’ that hosts representatives from regional student associations around India announced their 14th edition of the student fest in Bylakuppe, south India to be held by October.
The yearly meet will host students affiliated to various Tibetan student associations around India for a youth festival that will be premised on intellectual programs, cultural education and sports. The President of the association’s organising committee, Lharong, said, “This meet has been the single most popular platform where students can showcase their passions and talents and also exchange their ideas in their area of education and expertise.”
Lharong said that the event incubates future leaders and contributors that will carry the mantle of the Tibetan movement moving forward.
The association, its committee member said, aims to impart knowledge about Tibetan language and culture, culminate and empower leaders and create an environment for exchange of ideas and educate for students and advocate on the issue of Tibet.
While the meeting among Tibetan students have been held annually for the last 13 years, impending factors like dwindling participation by student associations and dropping student turn out has threatened the once thriving student event.
The consequent decline in the capacity to raise funds have also been a major challenge, AITSAM organising committee President said. Out of the target fund for the meet, estimated at 5,60,000 INR, less than 10 percent have been raised till date.
“We urge all the College Students’ Association across the country to take part in this historic event and make this successful and sincerely request generous individuals and groups for donations and financial assistance in anyway possible”, the organising committee said.
