Dharamshala: The Department of Information and International Relations has successfully concluded a two-week Tibet Awareness Talk series and Tibet Museum Exhibition across universities and colleges in Varanasi and Gujarat. The campaign, aimed at educating students and faculty about Tibet’s perennial relationship with India and the critical current situation inside Tibet under the repressive rule and policies of Chinese government, reached a total of 1,348 participants in 13 universities.

During the talks, speakers Tenzin Kunkhen and Rinchen presented a detailed analysis of Tibet’s current human rights challenges. They emphasised Tibet’s global significance and urged Indian students to address these issues in their academic work. The speakers encouraged attendees to publish articles in journals to maintain awareness of Tibet’s situation, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and scholarly attention to the region’s concerns. 

Tibet Awareness Talk in Varanasi 

The Tibet Talk kicked off with its first leg in Varanasi on 23 September and 24 September, making significant inroads at three key institutions. At the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, the talks engaged 250 students and faculty members, while at Malviya Shiksha Niketan Inter College, 100 participants attended the sessions. The campaign also reached out to 20 Tibetan students at the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, ensuring a diverse audience. 

Gujarat Tour 

In a notable collaboration, the Bharat Tibet Sangh (BTS) led by Shri Bhavesh Joshi, Gujarat BTS State President and the vibrant and affectionate BTS team, in Gujarat played a crucial role in facilitating the DIIR’s Tibet Advocacy Section staff’s outreach efforts throughout the state, particularly in the cities of Rajkot and Junagadh. Members of the Bharat Tibet Sangh not only assisted in arranging the talks but also provided transportation and accommodation facilities in the state and accompanied the DIIR staff during their presentations at various universities, strengthening the impact of the awareness campaign. This partnership highlights the growing network of support for Tibetan issues in India and underscores the effectiveness of local organisations in promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. 

Vadodara: 

• The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) (30 September): 20 Tibetan students during the Middle Way Policy Outreach program. 

• Parul University (1 October ): 65 Indian students and faculty 

Rajkot (3 October): 

• SMT Kansagara College: 235 female students and 27 others 

• VVP Engineering College: 250 professors, technical and academic staff, and non-academic staff 

• Saurashtra University: 65 students and faculty 

Junagadh (4 October): 

• Commerce and Law College: 120 female students and 22 faculty members 

• Bhakt Narsinh Mehta University: 158 students and 20 faculty members 

• Junagadh Agriculture University: Meeting with the Vice Chancellor 

Media Coverage and Wider Impact 

The Tibet Awareness Talk series in Rajkot and Junagadh, Gujarat, garnered significant attention from prominent Gujarati newspapers, substantially amplifying the campaign’s reach. Leading publications such as Akila News and Gujarat Samachar provided extensive coverage of the events, bringing the Tibet issue to the forefront of public discourse in the region. These newspapers, known for their wide readership and influence, played a crucial role in disseminating information about the talks to a vast audience across Gujarat. A local newspaper also covered and published the Tibet Awareness talk and the Tibet Museum Exhibition in Varanasi, not only to highlight the key messages of the campaign but also to spark interest in Tibet’s cultural heritage and current challenges.  

Given the popularity and extensive circulation of these newspapers, it is estimated that the media coverage exponentially increased the number of people exposed to the Tibet awareness message, far beyond the direct participants in the university talks. This media amplification has been instrumental in fostering a more informed and engaged public discourse on Tibet-related issues. 

Enthusiastic Response and Engagement 

The Tibet Awareness Talk series across universities in Varanasi and Gujarat met with an overwhelmingly positive response, underscoring the campaign’s success in effectively conveying its message. Throughout the sessions, Indian students and faculty members displayed remarkable enthusiasm, engaging speakers with thought-provoking questions that reflected a deep interest in Tibet’s culture, history, and the deteriorating current situation. The talks sparked lively discussions, with attendees expressing curiosity about various aspects of India-Tibet Relations and the gravity of the challenges faced by the Tibetan people inside Tibet. Many participants offered supportive messages and pledged to further educate themselves and others about Tibet-related issues. The enthusiastic reception, consistent across all visited institutions, from Central Insititute for Higher Tibetan Studies to Gujarat’s Saurashtra University, clearly demonstrates the talks’ efficacy in raising awareness and fostering a sense of solidarity among Indian students and academics. The speakers noted that this widespread engagement and support significantly exceeded their expectations, reinforcing the importance and timeliness of the awareness campaign. 

-Filed by the UN, EU and the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR