Tenzin Kunkhen and Rinchen, representatives from the Tibet Advocacy Section, provided a comprehensive overview of Tibet’s deteriorating human rights situation and discussed “Tibet’s Relevance and Why It Matters.” Key points addressed included China’s blatant violations of Tibetans’ fundamental human rights, recent reports on the suppression of civil liberties and political freedoms, repressive policies threatening Tibetan culture and identity, the impact of assimilationist policies on Tibetan language education, particularly through colonial-style boarding schools, and environmental concerns affecting traditional Tibetan livelihoods.

In her presentation, Rinchen elaborated on the cultural, religious, and linguistic connections between Tibet and India, highlighting the historical exchanges shaped by the spread of Buddhism and the enduring bonds forged through pilgrimage and exile. She emphasized Tibet’s significance as Asia’s water tower, underlining its crucial role in water security for the downstream regions and the well-being of hundreds of millions of people. Rinchen also addressed the threats to Tibet’s water resources posed by Chinese hydropower development, intensified irrigation, retreating glaciers, and increased militarization, damming, and mining activities.

In an appeal to the attendees, the speakers encouraged students and faculty to conduct thorough research and disseminate accurate information on Tibetan issues to raise awareness within their communities. They urged attendees to express solidarity with Tibet and advocate for their leaders to call for an end to human rights violations in the region.

Accompanying the talk, a panel exhibition titled “India and Tibet Relations: Ancient Ties and Current Bonds” was inaugurated at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS). This exhibition provides a pictorial account of Indo-Tibetan relations from the time of Tibet’s 33rd King, Songtsen Gampo, to the present, highlighting the significance of these ties for both the Indian and Tibetan peoples. It showcased pivotal moments in Indo-Tibetan relations, Indian policy toward Tibet during and after the Chinese invasion, and the opposition of several Indian leaders to China’s military occupation of Tibet.

Tsering Norbu and Karma Tashi, representatives from the Tibet Museum, provided a detailed overview of the exhibition to Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Wangchuk Dorjee Negi and Registrar Dr Sunita Chandra expressed great interest and appreciation for the exhibition, which underscores the deep-rooted connections between India and Tibet and fosters a better understanding of shared heritage and current challenges. Throughout the day, the exhibition attracted considerable interest from students at the institute, who enthusiastically participated.

Faculty members of CIHTS commended the talk and exhibition for offering students a unique opportunity to understand Tibet’s importance from both strategic and geopolitical perspectives and to recognize the severity of the human rights situation under repressive Chinese policies.

The exhibition will remain on display at the institute for an additional day for students to view. As part of the Tibet Advocacy Section’s outreach to Indian students in Varanasi, staff members will visit other colleges to discuss the importance of understanding the robust ties between Tibet and India and to raise awareness of the critical challenges Tibetans face due to Chinese policies that threaten to eradicate Tibetan identity, culture, language, and religion.