Bylakuppe, January 4 – The third day of the Tibetan Leadership Training began with the participants assembling early in the morning for day break stretches and exercises followed by an explicit half an hour talk on the essence of Kyambdo.
The actual workshop began with Mr. Vijay Kranti taking the first session on the topic – ‘Media Strategy in context of Tibetan Freedom struggle.’ The speaker began with the fact that no country today can attain freedom on its own, without the support and sympathy of other nations. He cited the paramount need of the Tibetans is to ascertain their resources and assets and judiciously organize them into a long term media policy based on credibility and truth. As a media person himself he highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial, friendly and infallible relationship with media personals and flair of approaching them in the right and sensible manner. Counting the assets of the Tibetans in their freedom struggle he laid emphasis on the unparalleled leadership of H.H. The Dalai Lama and the truth and credibility involving the Tibetan cause, which, he said, in reality endures more respect and sympathy in media circles than the communist Chinese propaganda. He mooted the idea of forming a ‘Tibet Media Organisation’, common to all Tibetans with offices at various strategic places and cities, consisting of competent staff who can on a professional and effective basis disseminate general as well as specific information on Tibet.
The second session of the third day was chaired by Mr. Karma Chophel on the topic, ‘Tibetan Government in Exile: Structure and Organs’. Detailing the intricacies of the structure of our exile government, he systematically explained the functions and the specific responsibilities of the various departments of our government in exile. Stating that in democracy duties are much more important than rights, Mr. Chophel emphasised on the gravity of the current duty of the exiled Tibetans. Speaking in general he reiterated that a true Tibetan should atleast integrate the three fundamental conditions, which are – a) The pride in being a Tibetan, b) The pain of being a refugee and c) The strong determination to achieve Rangzen and the devotion towards reaching the goal at any cost.
Speaking in the third session of the day Ven. Tenpa Tashi asserted his views on the subject, ‘Whether Religio-political system is needed for our Future or not?’ In his explicit deliberation he gave a detailed history of the Tibetan religio-political system from the times of Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to the reign of Drogon Chogyal Phagpa in the 13th century and from the formation of the Gaden Phodrang during the era of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. He highlighted the various facets of religio-political systems that have been practiced elsewhere in the world and expressed his belief in the success and efficacy of such a system if practiced in a free Tibet.
The fourth session was dedicated towards the issue of Independence for Tibet with a panel comprising of Mr. Karma Chophel, Mr. Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Mr.Phurbu Dorjee, Southern Justice Commissioner and Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok Godrukpa sharing their views on the topic. While Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok ascertained that the cardinal objective of the Tibetan Youth Congress to fight for Tibet’s independence is permanent and immutable, Mr. Sonam Norbu Dagpo said that the policy of Middle way of the present Tibetan government was a subject to change with the changing verdict of the Tibetan people. Speaking on ‘Rangzen’ Mr. Karma Chophel cited the 2000 year long imposing history of a free Tibet and insisted that Tibetans should never give up their rightful claim of complete independence at the cost of awaiting for some empathy from China.
Brainstorming, as given high consideration by the TYC, the fifth session saw the students divided into groups for personal discussion and debate on three important questions related to our freedom struggle. With a leader and a secretary appointed for each group, the students frankly uttered their views and made optimum use of the open space offered to them.
And as the sun went down the barren fields the Dekyi Larsoe Hall rose to the song, ‘Bhod di Ngey ki rey, Bhod do Khey ki Rey…..Phayul di Ngatso tsangmey re…”, ending yet another memorable day on a high note.
For contact at Bylakuppe:
Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok, President Mob: 9816063228/9891022587/9448026211
