Sonipat, Haryana: The Bharat-Tibet Sahayog Manch (BTSM) National Council held a significant meeting on 3 and 4 August 2024 at the Seva Sadhna and Gram Vikas Kendra in Samalkha, Sonipat, Haryana. The event brought together 267 members from 24 states and featured the adoption of five crucial resolutions addressing pressing issues concerning Tibet and Sino-Indian relations.

The meeting was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests and officials, including Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari, Department of Security, Central Tibet Administration (CTA), who attended the event as its chief guest. Other notable attendees included Dr. K. C. Agnihotri (Patron of BTSM), Shri Harjit Singh Grewal (National Working President of BTSM), Swami Deivyanand Maharaj (National Vice-President), Shri Pankaj Goyal (National General Secretary of BTSM), Shri R.K. Khrimay (Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India (CGTC-I) ) and Shri Pratap Chandra (RSS Haryana Prant Karywah). Both days featured invaluable guidance from the organisation’s esteemed guide and senior pracharak of the Sangh, Shri Indresh Kumar Ji, Patron of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM).

In addition to these distinguished guests, acting Coordinator of India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), Tashi Dekyi, and her team contributed to the meeting by distributing Tibet-related books and brochures, and covering the two-day sessions.

While highlighting the importance of spreading the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion globally in the keynote address by Shri Pankaj Goyal and further emphasised by Shri Indresh Kumar, BTSM declared the year 2025 as the Karuna Varsh (Year of Compassion), in celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Recognised globally as a symbol of peace, His  Holiness the Dalai Lama’s milestone birthday will be marked by year-long celebrations promoting peace, non-violence, brotherhood, and love. BTSM acknowledged its commitment to forming a committee to organise these celebrations, engaging communities across India and the world. 

Pertaining to the ongoing Sinicisation in Tibet such as the recent closure the Renounced Ragya Gangjong Sherig Norbuling School in Golog, Shri Indresh Kumar ji said, “What kind of humanity is it that China is eradicating Tibetan identity from Tibet, except a few thousand of them in rest of the world”. BTSM therefore condemned China’s actions aimed at eliminating the Tibetan race through a systematic campaign of Sinicisation. BTSM firmly believes that China is engaged in a conspiracy to erase Tibetan culture and identity. Chief Guest honourable Kalon Dolma Gyari, in her poignant and forceful address, condemned China’s aggressive policies and highlighted its expansionist ambitions. She called for global recognition and collective action against these harmful intentions, emphasising the urgency and gravity of the situation.

BTSM further strongly condemned China’s efforts to impose its own method for selecting the next Dalai Lama, rejecting the traditional and spiritual process. While appealing to India and the world to respect the current Dalai Lama’s selection statement, BTSM emphasised the need to preserve the spiritual integrity of Tibetan traditions. Both Shri Indresh Kumar Ji and Kalon Dolma Gyari emphasised the critical nature of this issue, condemning China’s attempts to control the reincarnation process and urging international solidarity in upholding the sanctity of Tibetan spiritual practices.

“China’s border is the Chinese wall, the rest is occupation”, a strong slogan of BTSM declaring that it is time for the world to reject Chinese products and advocate for resolving the Tibet conflict through dialogue with the exiled Tibetan government. The meeting emphasised the need for global recognition of China’s occupation of Tibet and mobilised public opinion against it. CTA representative and Cabinet minister of Security Department’s insights on this matter were invaluable, as she provided a detailed account of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule, urging a firm and united international response.

BTSM also payed tribute to individuals who lost their lives due to recent floods and natural calamities in India and around the world. While expressing condolences to those displaced and affected by these disasters, and praying for their swift relief and recovery, BTSM condemned the violence caused by human conflicts such as war, terrorism, and Naxalism, praying for the salvation of those who lost their lives and the recovery and rehabilitation of the injured and displaced. The meeting collectively prayed for strength, courage, and patience for the families suffering due to these reasons. 

The 2024 BTSM National Council meeting was a landmark event that successfully addressed key issues related to Tibet and Sino-Indian relations. Important and effective statements were made and important messages were given, such as “We must Keep moving, keep talking about these things, keep making programs, with other groups, and new groups. We will be blessed because our movement is for the injustice faced by Tibetans from China. For the protection of India, we must continuing doing it”, said by Shri Harjit Singh Grewal, National Working President of BTSM.

The resolutions adopted during the meeting reflect BTSM’s strong commitment to supporting Tibetan autonomy, preserving cultural identity, and countering Chinese expansionist policies by mobilising national and global support to implement these BTSM’s aims to ensure the preservation of peace, non-violence, and cultural integrity. The meeting underscored the importance of collective efforts in advocating for Tibetan rights and highlighted India’s dedication to its mission of safeguarding human identity and promoting global harmony

-Filed by India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO)