The 37th founding anniversary of Tibetan Youth Congress was observed on October 7th , 2006 at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral with about 200 Tibetan attendants. This function organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of NY & NJ commenced with offering of Mandala by the RTYC President followed by reading out the TYC day statement received from TYC Centrex.
Mr. Tenzin Kalden, the President of RTYC of NY & NJ, highlighted the occasion by paying tribute and appreciation to all the foregone members of TYC, martyrs, and supporters around the globe for their support and dedication towards the cause of Tibet. He further reassured the audience that the unwavering spirit and the activities of this great organization will continue with greater force until the Tibetans regain their freedom. In this light, he urged everyone to work harder in the times to come.
Mr. Sonam Wangdu, the Director of US Tibet Committee, applauded the efforts and accomplishment made by Tibetan Youth Congress in the past 36 years, and further urged everyone to be united in this struggle for resolving the issue of Tibet. He also referred to TYC as an uniting force symbolizing the principles of democracy and the integrity of the three provinces of Tibet (Kham, Amdo, and U-tsang). He also stressed that the differences in opinions or ideologies among the people should not come in the way of this united force. In a democratic society, people have freedom of expression and hence the prevalence of different ideologies. The two main options of complete independence and the middle way approach are two different strategies in resolving the issue of Tibet, however, this should not in any way lead to conflict or division among the people of Tibet. The supporters of both the options should rather understand the rationale and essence of each option and should work for the common good.
This was later followed by the cultural performances by Cholsum dance troupe and other individual performances. The days program concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Gyatso the Vice-President of RTYC of NY & NJ.
