Bengaluru: Despite the ensuing challenges of the global pandemic, the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India in coordination with India Tibet Coordination Office, Delhi convened its meeting of the National Convener, National Co-Conveners and Regional Conveners of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India at Hotel Halcyon Residences, Bengaluru on the auspicious occasion of Chotrul Duchen on 27 February 2021.
At the outset of the meeting, India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) Deputy Coordinator Mr. Tenzin Jorden offered his greetings and heartily welcomed all the members of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India as this has been the first meeting of the Core Group Members coming together since the lockdown.
It was followed by Indian and Tibetan National Anthems by the members and observing of a minute of silence for all those Tibetan Martyrs and Tibet Support Groups members who passed away in the journey of Tibbat Mukti Sadhana.
Shri Amruth Joshi, National Co-Convener (Southern Region), Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India who was the chair of the meeting greeted all the members by offering khatak and presented the inaugural address. In his address, Shri Joshi shared that he was very much happy to see and meet all the Core Group members coming together for the cause of Tibet after a long period of time. He informed the members on the importance of convening the meeting as it is a crucial time for Tibet as well as for India. Shri Joshi further suggested that a road map has to be prepared to carry out work for the Tibet issue and discussion among Tibet Support Groups from time to time and have at least five-year plan for the cause of Tibet.
Mr. Choephel Thupten, Chief Representative Officer (South Zone), Central Tibetan Administration, Bengaluru on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration as well as Tibetans living in five major settlements in Karnataka extended his greetings to all the members. He spoke about the importance of centuries-old India-Tibet relations and also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for the help and support extended to Tibetans. He offered his best wishes for the success of the meeting.
Mr. Thupten presented a souvenir book titled “Commemorating 60 Years of All India Tibet Convention (1959 – 2019)” to all the members of the Core Group. Later a documentary film on Fourth Janjagran Cycle Yatra by Shri Sandesh Meshram, Regional Convener, Core Group was shown to the members.
The respected members presented their activities and programs report and the action taken(s) since the last Core Group meeting which was thoroughly discussed among the Core Group members. The members actively shared their feedback and suggestions to strengthen the cause of Tibet and in that regard chalked out activities and programs for Tibbat Mukti Sadhana in the coming days. The members unanimously voiced to start a strong campaign to confer India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet by the Government of India, and also to invite His Holiness to address the Parliament of India. In all, the members of the Core Group agreed to work more actively and vigorously in coordination with all the Tibet Support Groups in India for the cause of Tibet which is a just fight for justice and truth. The meeting concluded on a note of high optimism and prospects for a stronger, effective Tibet campaign.
ITCO Staff Mr. Choney Tsering presented the vote of thanks. He offered his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the members of the Core Group for their active participation and attending the meeting coming all the way from their respective places. He specially thanked Shri Amruth Joshi, National Co-Convener, Core Group for successfully chairing the meeting, Mr. Choephel Thupten, CRO (South Zone), CTA Bengaluru for the help and support in regard to the meeting and all others involved.
Later in the evening, the members of the Core Group had an informal meeting with Tibet Support Groups members of Bengaluru. The members were excited to meet with each other as some were seeing each other for the first time. They discussed, shared and suggested their views in regard to activities and programs for the Tibetan movement in South India more specifically in Bengaluru. The Core Group Members assured full help and support to the TSGs members.
Overall, the Core Group Meeting in Bengaluru has ignited the Core Group Members as well as TSGs Bengaluru members with positive energy and strength to work for the cause of Tibet i.e. Tibbat Mukti Sadhana.
- Report filed by India Tibet Coordination Office