New Delhi, 24th July 2023: The Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India (CGTC-I), representing the collective voice of Tibet Support Groups (TSGs) in India, convened a significant meeting on 23rd July 2023, at the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi.
Chaired by CGTC-I National Convener Shri R. K. Khrimey, the meeting brought together prominent figures such as Lobsang Shastri, Representative of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Tenzin Lekshay, Additional Secretary of DIIR, CTA, alongside National Co-Conveners Ven. Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Shri Surendra Kumar, and Shri Arvind Nikose. Also, in attendance were 12 CGTC-I Regional Conveners and the India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) Coordinator and staff.
Tashi Dekyi, Deputy Coordinator of ITCO, delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the meeting’s agenda. The gathering also witnessed the introduction of Thupten Rinzin as the new Coordinator of ITCO.
In a touching moment of remembrance, a minute of silence was observed for the Tibetan Martyrs and Tibet Support Group members who had dedicated their lives to the Tibbat Mukti Sadhana cause.
The CGTC-I members took the opportunity to introduce themselves, marking the first meeting after the group’s reformation. In his opening remarks, Shri R. K. Khrimey emphasised the significance of CGTC-I’s reformation and its pivotal role in the Tibetan movement. He outlined two primary objectives for the group: firstly, to facilitate a resumption of dialogue between the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama/CTA leadership and the Government of the People’s Republic of China; and secondly, to appeal to India and others global leaders to exert pressure on the Chinese leadership to prioritise the dialogue.
Lobsang Shastri, the Representative of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, reiterated the age-old bond between India and Tibet, emphasising the Guru-Chela relationship shared by the two nations. He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government and its people for their unwavering support of the Tibetan community over the past six decades and extended his best wishes for a successful meeting.
The discussion revolved around the action taken after the 7th All India Tibet Support Groups Conference (AITSG), held in New Delhi from 28th – 29th November 2022. Plans were devised to execute the proposed actions through coordinated efforts by TSGs under the guidance of CGTC-I Regional Conveners. Additionally, the meeting delved into amendments to the objectives, framework, and functioning rules of CGTC-I, with the formation of a five-member committee tasked to finalise these changes.
Recognising the critical need for a strong connection between CGTC-I and TSGs, the participants emphasised the importance of raising awareness about Tibet among the general Indian populace to bolster the Tibetan freedom movement. Constructive feedback and suggestions were exchanged to strengthen the Core Group’s operations and ensure the enduring spirit of Tibet Mukti Sadhana (Tibetan Freedom Movement).
The facilitation of the meeting was orchestrated by the India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), New Delhi.
In a show of solidarity and camaraderie, a dinner was hosted in honor of the members of Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India at Country Club, Sainik Farms, New Delhi. The dinner was graciously hosted by Dr. Vijay Jolly, a Senior BJP leader and a devoted friend of Tibet. Dr Jolly conveyed his best wishes to all CGTC-I members and expressed his unwavering support for the Tibetan cause.
The meeting stands as a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for Tibet’s freedom, as CGTC-I takes proactive steps to advance the Tibetan cause and strengthen ties between India and Tibet. With renewed determination, the Core Group and its associated support groups aim to keep the light of Tibet Mukti Sadhana shining brightly.
-Reported by ITCO, New Delhi