Shri Kishan Kapoor, a member of Lok Sabha (GoI), and Kalon Trisur Ven Samdong Rinpoche lighting a ceremonial lamp during the inaugural ceremony of V-TAG India Strategy Meeting and Training. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Dharamshala: The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration, commenced a three-day V-TAG India Strategy Meeting and Training at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society in Dharamshala this afternoon.

Honourable Kalon Trisur Ven Samdong Rinpoche and Tibet supporter Shri Kishan Kapoor, a member of Lok Sabha, attended the inaugural session of the meeting-cum-training as chief guests, along with Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshey (official Spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration) and Chief Representative Officer of Shimla, Tsewang Phuntsok. It was also attended by 33 India-based V-TAG members and facilitators from the DIIR’s Tibet Advocacy Section.

Following brief introductory remarks from Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshey, Shri Kishan Kapoor addressed the gathering to stress the potency of youth’s role in promoting and advancing the Tibet advocacy campaign while lauding the 16th Kashag’s V-TAG initiative led by Sikyong Penpa Tsering. The sitting Member of Parliament from Kangra, who attended the event despite his busy schedule and health issue, expressed his steadfast support in striving for freedom for the Tibetan people who, according to him, have been a subject of hardships for three generations, both inside and outside Tibet.

Thereafter, speaking to the participants, Kalon Trisur Professor Ven Samdong Rinpoche said, “Since His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s visionary leadership in the past has set a clear and obvious course forward for us to follow, advocating for Tibet has now become significantly simpler.”

The former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) of the Tibetan exile administration further stated, “Truth and nonviolence are the two fundamental components of a peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue, as stated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When truth prevails, there is a remote possibility of violence; when nonviolence prevails, there is no struggle for anything but the truth; and when the truth and nonviolence are recognised, there is little need to look for alternative solutions.”

Before concluding the inauguration of the three-day meeting, Dukten Kyi, the head of the Tibet Advocacy Section, delivered a vote of thanks.

Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshey (official Spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration) delivering the introductory remarks. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Honourable chief guest Shri Kishan Kapoor addressing the gathering. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Honourable Kalon Trisur Ven Samdong Rinpoche addressing the V-TAG India Strategy Meeting and Training. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Aides of MP Shri Kishan Kapoor among members of the audience. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Dukten Kyi, head of the Tibet Advocacy Section, conveying a vote of thanks. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Group photo of the participants and facilitators of the V-TAG India Strategy Meeting and Training with Honourable MP Shri Kishan Kapoor and Kalon Trisur Ven Samdong Rinpoche. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA