Bangalore: A five-day Conflict Resolution Training from 15 – 19 August began yesterday in Bangalore. It is being jointly organised by the (IMTD), Washington and the Office of Chief Representative, Bangalore. Since its inception in 1992, the Institute of Multi-Track Diplomacy (IMTD) has been conducting such workshops in the Tibetan community.

In a brief opening session yesterday, the main instructor of the workshop, Dr Eileen Borris, and Mr. Kevin La Fluer, the Course Co-ordinator, both from IMTD, and Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, Chief Representative, spoke on the nature of the course. Dr. Borris, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Training of IMTD, outlined the course for the coming 5 days,. It will include , among other things, peace building, multi-track diplomacy, generating forgiveness and reconciliation. Mr. Phuntsok, recalled his association with IMTD and also shared his participation in a similar workshop in 1996 in Dharamsala, during which he had met the Co-Founders of IMTD – Ambasador Mc Donald and Dr. Louise Diamond – and the then Course Co-ordinator, Mr. Peter Swanson. He wished the course every success and hoped that the participants would gain much insight and knowledge in the field of conflict resolution.

19 participants are attending the workshop from settlements in Bylakuppe, Mundgod, Hunsur and Kollegal and from various offices of Bangalore and the Dalai Lama’s Institute of Higher Education, Ramnagaram.  The participants are from various background of Tibetan leadership in the South, which includes the Representatives of Tibetans settlements, monks, Lecturers, women, staff from offices, camp leaders and members of NGOs.