TORONTO, Canada: The Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre (TCCC) organised its 8th Annual Gala Event on 16 May 2015 with Honorable Dr. Lobsang Sangay, SIkyong or the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, as its Chief Guest and Mr. Kaydor Aukartsang, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas as a Guest of Honour. The gala event was attended by many Canadian dignitaries, Friends of Tibet and community members. This year’s gala dinner was dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as Tibetans and Tibet supporters all around the world mark the 80th Birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama this year.
Sikyong’s visit to the Tibetan community in Toronto city was a year-long plan in the making. To honour him and express deep respect and appreciation, the Tibetan community in Ontario, and the Board of the TCCC & CTAO presented Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay with a special “CTAO Gyatoen Award” for his strong leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Other dignitaries at the event include Canadian MPP Cheri DiNovo, former Senator DiNino, and MP Bernard Trottier. The Canadian political leaders assured their continued support to Tibet and the Tibetan people.
The next day on 17 May, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay gave a public talk at the Centre where large numbers of community members came to greet Sikyong and hear him speak.
In his address, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay explained the policies of the Central Tibetan Administration and the workings of each of the seven departments of the CTA. He also spoke about the sound financial state of the Tibetan administration, and its emphasis on education and scholarships to create a robust educated Tibetan community.
“The bulk of our budget was allotted for scholarship and education, as well as towards welfare schemes for the aged and the poor,” Sikyong said. He explained that the number of students receiving scholarship and the amount invested in education has almost doubled since the last ten years.
Sikyong also talked about the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy passed by the Central government of India in 2014, adding that the policy has strengthened the sustainability of the Tibetan settlements in India.
Sikyong further apprised the public about the present Kashag’s emphasis on women empowerment and its efforts to mitigate unemployment among Tibetan youths, particularly among newly-arrived Tibetans from Tibet.
Speaking on the White Paper issued by the Chinese government on Tibet, Sikyong asserted that the claims made by the Chinese government in the White Paper is another desperate attempt by China to mislead the ground realities in Tibet. He reaffirmed the CTA’s firm commitment to Middle Way Approach to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue.
The talk was followed by a question/answer session.
– Filed by Tibetan community of Ontario –
