Bengaluru: On 16 October 2024, the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) began a three-day South India V-TAG Advocacy and Capacity Building training at the prestigious Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education in Bangalore. This event aims to empower Tibetan youths studying in various institutions across South India with essential skills in advocacy, leadership, and non-violent communication.

Dukthen Kyi, head of the Tibet Advocacy Section, opened the inaugural session with a welcome address. In her speech, she explained the program’s objectives, emphasising the significance of Tibetan youth’s participation and ownership in advocating for Tibet. She also highlighted the need to strengthen Tibet advocacy and awareness in South India.

The chief guest for the inaugural session, Jigme Tsultrim, South Zone Chief Representative, provided insights into the situation of Tibetans in the region. In his address, CRO Jigme Tsultrim stressed the importance of advocacy and leadership skills for the Tibetan community in exile, particularly in South India. He also emphasised the importance of building relationships between Tibetan youth and their Indian peers in universities. As he stated, young Tibetans are at a crucial point to engage in the Tibetan cause and deepen their knowledge of Tibetan culture and history, as well as their understanding of the administrative structures in their regions, so they can better advocate for Tibet.

The Chief Representative also highlighted the dual responsibility of preserving Tibetan heritage while effectively integrating into Indian society, emphasising the strategic importance of these connections for the future of the Tibetan community in exile.

Following the inaugural ceremony, Karma Lekshey, Director, and Sonam Dechen, Associate Director of the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution, conducted training sessions for the first day. These sessions focused on three key areas: advocacy, leadership, and non-violent communication. The sessions were highly interactive and encouraged participation from the young students.

There are 35 students participating from eight different universities and colleges across five regions: Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Mundgod, and Bylakuppe. The V-TAG Advocacy and Capacity Building Training will continue until 18 October 2024, providing participants with three full days of interactive learning, skill development, networking, and planning advocacy activities for the near future.

This training reflects the Central Tibetan Administration’s ongoing efforts to nurture a new generation of Tibetan youths in exile to take on the responsibilities of Tibet advocacy. The team from DIIR includes Tsetan Dolma and Rinchen from the Tibet Advocacy Section and ITCO program officer Ngawang Choden.

-Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR-