Jammu, 3 May 2026: The Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM) convened a two-day National Executive Meeting and Seminar on “The Himalayas in the 21st Century: India’s Security, Challenges, and Emerging Dimensions” in Jammu at Galaxy College of Education, Sainik Colony. The meeting was presided over in the esteemed presence of Dr. Indresh Kumar, Margdarshak of BTSM. His guidance and insights set the tone for the national executive’s deliberations and strategic resolutions.
The inaugural session was honoured by the presence of Thupten lungrig, Former Cabinet Minister, Central Tibetan Administration, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, Dawa Tsering, Senior Tibetan Parliamentarian, 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Other distinguished guests included Shri Rupesh Kumar, National Central Executive Member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shri Pankaj Goyal, National Organisational Secretary, BTSM, Shri Lt. Gen. R.K. Sharma (Retd.), Shri Sanjeev Manmotra, BTSM Jammu.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Tashi Dekyi, Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), contributed meaningfully by distributing Tibet-related books and brochures to the students of Galaxy College and participants, including state representatives of BTSM. This gesture enriched the deliberations by providing authentic resources on Tibet’s history, culture, and ongoing struggle, thereby deepening awareness among attendees.
The inaugural session commenced with the lighting of ceremonial lamps (dia) and the collective singing of Vande Mataram, symbolising reverence and national pride. This was followed by a welcome address by Shri Pankaj Goyal, who warmly greeted delegates from across the country and acknowledged their commitment to the Himalayan cause.
In his address, Shri Goyal expressed heartfelt gratitude to all Sangh Karyakarni for their unwavering dedication and commitment toward the organisation’s mission—freedom for Tibet and the liberation of Kailash Mansarovar. He emphasised the critical need for widespread public awareness to expose the deceptive policies and actions of the Chinese regime on the global stage.
Kasur Thupten Lungrig, the chief guest addressed the gathering by expressing gratitude to the Margdharshak Dr. Indresh Kumar, whose visionary leadership gave birth to this noble organisation and continues to inspire our mission. For nearly 26 years, this organisation has stood as a bridge between the people of Bharat and Tibet, embodying the ancient bonds of friendship, spirituality, and mutual respect that have connected our civilisations for centuries.
He delivered a profound address underscoring the strategic significance of Tibet as a buffer state for India’s security and its centuries-old cultural existence. He emphasised that Tibet’s stability is inseparably linked to India’s sovereignty and civilisation continuity.
He reiterated the importance of the Middle Way Approach (Madhyam Marg) as the most viable and peaceful resolution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict. At the same time, he voiced grave concern over the ongoing Sinicisation policies of the Chinese Communist Party, including the introduction of colonial-style boarding schools aimed at assimilating Tibetans into Han Chinese ideology and the forceful closure of Tibetan schools—measures designed to erode the roots of Tibetan language, culture, and identity.
Kasur Thupten Lungrig urged participants to remain vigilant about the changing geopolitical landscape and expressed gratitude to the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch for its consistent support in raising awareness about the Tibetan struggle for freedom and dignity, providing practical assistance to Tibetan traders and families, organising cultural exchanges and educational programmes, advocating for Tibetan rights in national and international forums and extending humanitarian aid during times of hardship.
In conclusion, he extended heartfelt thanks to the Government and people of India for their unwavering solidarity with the Tibetan cause and their ongoing commitment to this righteous struggle.
Lt. Gen. R.K. Sharma (Retd.), advocated a composite approach on Strategic preparedness, Environmental sensitivity and Social awareness.He emphasised that integrated efforts are essential to meet Himalayan challenges effectively.
Shri Indresh Kumar delivered an inspiring keynote address described the Himalayas as India’s natural security shield and cultural bulwark, affirming that any disruption of their ecological or strategic balance poses a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty.
He urged the assembly to critically examine the geopolitical challenges confronting the Himalayan region, stressing the need for clear national policies, active grassroots participation, and sustained border development. He cautioned against the expansionist tendencies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), recalling their long-standing strategy of encroachment and the illegal occupation of Tibet in 1959, which remains a stark reminder of the threats India must guard against.
Beyond strategic concerns, he emphasised the importance of environmental preservation and sustainable development of border areas, noting that ecological stability is inseparable from national security. He concluded with a powerful call to action: to strengthen national awareness, unity, and collective responsibility in safeguarding the Himalayas, thereby ensuring India’s enduring sovereignty and cultural continuity.
The inaugural session concluded with singing of National Anthem and more than 280 participants/delegates attended the programme including students of Galaxy College, Jammu.
The two-day meeting featured multiple sessions covering national security, strategic imperatives of Himalayan defence, environmental concerns, preserving ecological balance and cultural heritage, policy Formulation and recommendations for sustainable development and national preparedness.The event gathered intellectuals, policymakers, retired defence officials, and social activists from across India to deliberate on the strategic, cultural, and ecological importance of the Himalayas.
– Report filed by India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), New Delhi
