San Francisco Tibetan Youth Congress observed the 37th TYC Founding Day this past Saturday with cultural dance and song competitions amongst its local groups from El Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland and Vacaville. More than 500 Tibetans and friend filled the hall where the anniversary took place in Oakland. Invited for the event, the chief guest, Mr. Jigme Yugal la, core founder of some of earliest Tibetan support groups in the Bay Area, spoke about the importance of roots and identity. He said, “When we work from grassroots level for the freedom of Tibet and wellbeing of all Tibetans, the basic awareness that I am a Tibetan is the strongest foundation.” Among the invited guests, there were leaders of Tibetan Association of Northern California, Bay Area Friends of Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet, including all the former SFTYC board members. The president of San Francisco TYC, Mr. Dawa Dorjee, an undergraduate student of University of San Francisco in his speech spoke similarly the importance of working from the grassroots level for Tibet. “Whether it is to involve in a Tibet protest or any other social, political, educational and cultural initiative, young Tibetan’s role and voice matter a lot and we must continue to do that ahead.” He extended on behalf of SFTYC, the group’s ever willingness to work more closely with other grassroots organizations, particularly with SFT. Speaking also on the occasion, Ms. Yangchen Chatsotsang, regional coordinator of SFT and an undergraduate student from Stanford University, encouraged more participation from Tibetan youth in the struggle for Tibet’s freedom. She spoke in length the great team work spirit shared by SFT and San Francisco TYC. “Bay Area TYC and SFT is one of the best examples of the teamwork we can have in grassroots works for Tibet.” Also, invited among the guest speakers was Mr. Criss Worthington, Berkeley Council Member, who conveyed his best wishes to the works of the young people, with whom he is always a fervent supporter. The winning team of this year’s dance competition was Vacaville, followed by Oakland and El Cerrito. For the song competition, Oakland stood first, Vacaville second and Berkeley the third. The video recording of the recent killing of a Tibetan nun and capturing of Tibetan refugees on their way to exile was also shown to remember that Tibetans continue to suffer under the Chinese occupation.
The event was concluded with Gorshey or circle dance. SFYC appreciates all the well-wishers and supporters and young participants for their competitive spirits.
