DHARAMSHALA: Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressed the President’s Lecture Series at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) on “Democracy in Exile: the Case for Tibet”, in Ives Concert Hall, White Hall OF WCSU’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury on Tuesday, 21 February 2012. 

Kalon Tripa spoke in length about the present situation in Tibet and calls for a peaceful resolution of Tibet, despite the ongoing protest in Tibet. Kalon Tripa said that, “I am afraid Tibetan self-immolation will become just a number,” and “They are human beings, just like you and I. They have mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters.”

As an elected Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that his goal is to end repression in Tibet with peaceful diplomacy, and that includes ending the self-immolations inside Tibet to protest the repressive policies of Chinese Government. Kalon Tripa reiterated that, “I am still committed to finding a peaceful solution so Tibet can have genuine autonomy and preserve our culture and dignity.”  

 Kalon Tripa told the audience that no one believes Tibet can be free, just like no one believed Nelson Mandela would be freed, or the collapse of Soviet Union or the falling of Berlin Wall. Since the British empire negotiated with Mahatma Gandhi because the latter’s movement was nonviolent, Kalon Tripa hopes that the Chinese government will someday negotiate with Tibet in the same way as Hong Kong. Kalon Tripa said that “I believe one day there will be freedom in Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return.”

 Kalon Tripa brought audience to its feet by educating them about Tibet. University President James Schmotter later said, he believes those who attended the lecture were introduced with many insights about Tibet. He emphasized such lectures could elevate the debate about important issues for the Greater Dandury area. He said that, “It’s what a public university should do for its community.” 

Around 550 people attended the lecture, which was part of a series of events to be organized by the University in preparation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s october visit to the university. This year, the Western Connecticut State University also offers a Tibetan History Class.