Prague, Czech Republic: CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay, on Wednesday addressed the students, faculties and other members at the FAMU University, Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.

Dr Sangay who was on a two-day official visit to the country spoke on the topic “Safe Proximity- The Middle Way Approach and Genuine Autonomy for Tibet.”

In a highly connected global world, Dr Sangay expressed the importance of self-identity without having to isolate or insulate to preserve and maintain that identity while leaving in harmony with mutual respect for others. Further adding that the Tibetans Middle Way Approach seeking genuine autonomy strives for the same, Dr Sangay expressed that it calls for the preservation of self-identity of Tibet through genuine autonomy while leaving in proximity and harmony with China.

Speaking of the draconian surveillance tactics and systems in Xinjiang, which Dr Sangay added as a system first perfected in Tibet and cautioned that “what happens in Tibet gets exported to the rest of the world.” He also highlighted the significance of Tibetan’s environmental health and the repercussions that would be felt not only by Tibet and Asia but also the world, if the current course of environmental degradation in Tibet continues.

Dr Sangay termed the Velvet Revolution, the overthrow of the communist regime and non-violent transition of power in what was then Czechoslovakia, an “inspiration” to the Tibetan people. China, which Dr Sangay added is trying to create a new world order, “restructuring UN and redefining human rights” and conducting business deals with political and social implication has been and is trying to enforce its own narrative around the world. Citing various cases such as China’s influence in Australia, former western diplomats being co-opted by Chinese firms and organizations and his own experience of China’s attempt to thwart his meetings and addressed during official visits, Dr Sangay added that “the spirit of the Velvet Revolution and the principle of the former President Vaclav Havel must remain alive and strong” in such times.

During the address, Dr Sangay shared the last year launch of Czech Parliamentary Group for Tibet, the largest such group in Europe and how in 1990, President Vaclav officially invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama, becoming the first Head of State to do so. He further thanked and applauded Czech’s support for the Tibet cause.

Earlier during the day, Dr Sangay also met with the Czech Parliamentary Group for Tibet.

-Filed by Tenzin Lhakmon, Communication Officer, Sikyong Office