Tibetan Youth Congress launched its indefinite Hunger Strike with the support of Tibetan Community, Italy on February 14th 2006 at 4.00 pm. Italy time at San Pietro in Vincoli, Torino. The Organisational Secretary of TYC Centrex, Ms. Pema Yangchen gave the introductory speech deliberating upon the purpose and significance of holding the hunger strike at Torino where the winter Olympics are presently underway.
The program began with the recitation of Dentsik monlam followed by the proud rendition of the Tibetan National Anthem. A minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of the brave Tibetans who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Tibet.
The Chief Guest of the inaugural function, Mr. Andrea, Representative of Mr. Oliverro, Director of Sermig (Young Missionary Service) while expressing his solidarity with hunger strikers assured to pursue specific programmes to pressurize China to improve human right situation in Tibet. SERMIG is one the most popular Missionary service with a strong network spread all over the world. Mr. Enrico Buemi, Commissioner Justice office, Rome also expressed his solidarity for the Tibetan cause.
Ven. Palden Gyatso, former political prisoner and one of the hunger strikers while speaking at the inauguration function of the hunger strike, appealed to the IOC to uphold the principles and ideals of Olympic games. Despite his poor health he expressed his pride and happiness in being able to participate in the hunger strike organized by TYC. He also shared his own experience of torture that he suffered behind the Chinese prison for 33 years and recalled the instance when a TYC led attack on the Chinese embassy in Delhi saved him and a colleague of his from certain execution.
Other speakers included Tamding Choephel, Tibetan Community, Italy and one of the hunger strikers, Kelsang Phuntsok Godrukpa, Former President of Tibetan Youth Congress, Claudio Tecchio, Solidarity Campaign for Tibetan People, and Rosanna Degiovanni, Radical Party in Torino. Members of Tibet Support Group (TSG) Italy were also present at the programme. The speakers along with other supporters, with words of encouragement and gratitude, offered khataks to the three hunger strikers.
The press release calling for ‘No Olympics in China Until Tibet is Free’, detailing the three demands of the TYC led indefinite hunger strike was handed out to the heavy presence of media.
A brief introduction of the three hunger strikers:
Ven. Palden Gyatso. Born in Panam, Tibet, he is one of the most well known political prisoners of Tibet. He served thirty-three years in Chinese prison from 1959. He is the author of the book “Fire Under the Snow”, an account of his personal experience under the Chinese rule. “Fire Under the Snow” has been translated into ninteen different languages and remains one of the most powerful accounts of a single man’s love for his country and freedom. Ven. Palden Gyatso la has toured more than 20 countries and remains one of the most dedicated supporters of complete independence of Tibet, committing all his years of freedom for the freedom of Tibet. Ven. Palden Gyatso la has spoken at various national and international forums including the United Nations about his personal experience under the Chinese rule.
Sonam Wangdue. Born in exile, Sonam Wangdue represents in true words and deeds the new breed of young Tibetans who carry the flame of freedom struggle in their hearts with an uncompromising passion. An alumnus of Upper TCV School, Dharamshala, he obtained his double diploma in acting from Delhi. During his stay in Delhi he actively participated in TYC activities and also served as an executive member of Delhi RTYC. He has to his professional credit lead roles in popular Tibetan films such as We are no Monks, Phun Anu Thanu, and Dreaming Lhasa. At present he is the President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Dharamshala, India.
Tamding Choephel. Born in exile, Tamdin Choephel is another example of young Tibetans who have never seen their country but harbor the dream of setting foot on the land of free Tibet. An alumnus of Central School for Tibetans, Bylakuppe, he studied Buddhism philosophy from Sera Jey Monastery, Bylakuppe after finishing his schooling. Founder of Tibetan Culture House in Italy he is at present the Vice President of Tibetan Community, Italy.
Contact Details:
Ms. Pema Yangchen, Organisational Secretary, TYC and Co-coordinator+393332542727
Mr. Tamding Chomphel, Vice President, Tibetan Community, Italy +393332542727
Mr. Lobsang Yeshi, Acting President, Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala, India +91-1892-221554/9816106224 Email: tyc@vsnl.com
Established in 1970, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) is the largest non-governmental organization within the Tibetan community fighting for the complete independence of Tibet, having over 30,000 active members in 80 Regional chapters across the globe.
