The effort to set up a regional chapter of the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) in Kollegal Tibetan settlement in South India was quashed unexpectedly at the winter session of the 4th Local Tibetan Assembly, much to the disappointment of the general masses in the settlement. This development puts a question mark on the functioning of grassroot level democracy in the settlement.
Just 4 months into office, TWA President, Vice President and General Secretary made their first trip to Kollegal in August 2003 to assess the situation and the general mood of the people towards establishing a new regional chapter. Respecting the necessity of informing and educating people on the aims and objectives of TWA so to cause people in making independent and informed decision, the TWA executives met 500 families of both sexes in 22 camps in four grueling days. The popular attitude of the residents was very supportive and encouraging. Save for one or two voices of disagreement, the rest were united in their support for a new regional branch of TWA in their settlement. The names and signatures of these people were documented and duly submitted to the chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA) with a request that the matter be raised for discussion and voting (if need be although the document itself showed very clearly the collective will of majority of the residents) at the winter session of the LTA. The TWA executives agreed to attend the winter session to oversee the proceedings in this regard.
Beginning February 2004, TWA General Secretary and Joint Secretary attended the session that began on Feb. 7. The resolution on the establishment of the first-ever TWA regional chapter in Kollegal was moved by Mr. Tsering Dorjee, member of LTA. Mr. Dorjee drew the notice of the House towards the provision in the Tibetan charter, which stipulates that it is the right of every Tibetan to form or join associations, unions and societies working in the “interest of immediate and ultimate goals of the Tibetan people”.
Another member, Mr. Kalden Norbu supported Mr. Dorjee’s position. However, the matter was put to vote. Out of 21 members of the house, 8 went against, 3 abstained, 3 were absent and 6 supported the resolution. The oft-repeated reasons given by those against the resolution were that this would create a precedent, leading to the proliferation of other unwanted pockets of small regional and sectarian groups to take roots. TWA is disappointed over the visible ignorance reflected in this statement. It only shows the utter lack of knowledge in distinguishing an organization like TWA from other groups or societies.
The inability to set up a regional chapter in Kollegal is a big setback for the women in Kollegal. The central office of TWA was very keen to implement its programs and projects targeted specifically to women in Kollegal. The disappointment is over the deprivation of these facilities for the women in this locality. The disappointment is also deeply felt over the defeat of the public opinion and public will at the very assembly, which represents the public of Kollegal.
The need for a regional branch of TWA was felt long time back by the Central office TWA, judging from repeated voicing of concerns and demands by the regional executives of TWA at the General Body Meetings held every three years. TWA wanted to be sure that all women in exile have equal responsibility and right to be part of our common struggle. That Tibetan women in all exile settlements access and participate in programs and activities run by TWA for their empowerment and welfare. TWA wanted to ensure that no part of the women population in exile community, however remote, should become isolated.
The Tibetan Women’s Association is an organization for all Tibetan women regardless of status, social standing, sect, region, religion etc.
