-Filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva

Switzerland: Kalon Sonam Topgyal, Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration accompanied by Representative Chhimey Rigzin and Sonam Tharchin, Tibet Bureau Geneva, addressed Tibetan community in Switzerland & Liechtenstein, yesterday.

Addressing large gathering of Tibetans in Theatersaal, Zurich, Kalon Sonam Topgyal briefed Kashag’s five-fifty vision and said “the five-fifty calls for a renewed effort to seek genuine autonomy in the next five years while strategizing to sustain the Tibetan movement over the next fifty years”.  Reiterating the importance of education for sustaining Tibetan movement, Kalon called upon the community to heed the education of children.

In the last six decades, Tibetan exile community has received enormous international support including financial grants enabling Tibetans to build a cohesive exile community, said Kalon Sonam Topgyal.  However, “restoration of freedom in Tibet will not come freely”.  Therefore, every single Tibetan should take responsibility for the sustenance of a successful Tibetan movement, added Kalon.

In three-day visits to Switzerland from 13 to 15 March, Kalon Sonam Topgyal held meetings with Tibetan community, dignitaries and funders.