Bylakuppe: On 28 December 2025, The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), successfully concluded a three-day Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group Youth Capacity Building and Advocacy Training at Sera Jey Yiga Choeling. The training was organised in collaboration with the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) India and aimed to equip Tibetan youth with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective Tibet advocacy.

The program brought together 34 young Tibetan participants from various universities across South India, all demonstrating strong commitment and enthusiasm to contribute to the Tibetan cause.

On the second day, 27 December, Tenzin Kunkhen, Research Associate at the Human Rights Desk of DIIR, delivered an in-depth session on human rights violations and the current situation inside Tibet. His presentation underscored the ongoing suffering of Tibetans inside Tibet and reminded participants of the true meaning of freedom. He encouraged the youth to actively read, write, and speak about human rights abuses and China’s unlawful policies that threaten the survival of Tibetan identity, culture, and religion. The session was marked by attentive and reflective engagement from the participants.

The day continued with an introduction to the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) by Rinchen from the Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR. She explained V-TAG as an initiative of the Kashag that provides a platform for Tibetan youth to advocate for Tibet, guided by the principle of “Tibetans for Tibet.” She also outlined the objectives of the training and highlighted similar youth-focused trainings and workshops conducted in countries including Germany, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Participants were further briefed on the activities of V-TAG India. Kunsang Tenzing, National Coordinator of V-TAG India, emphasised the importance of greater youth involvement, while Palden, V-TAG South India Coordinator, presented an overview of advocacy projects carried out in South India in 2025. He expressed appreciation for the dedication and unwavering support of V-TAG members in advancing Tibet awareness campaigns throughout the year.

In the afternoon session, Tenzin Dolma, Independent Researcher and PhD holder in Educational Leadership, conducted an engaging training on “Communication and Leadership in Action.” She guided participants in identifying their key strengths, understanding how strengths influence communication, and exploring diverse leadership styles. Through interactive simulations and hands-on activities, participants practiced leadership skills, reflected on the power of words, and engaged in exercises focused on personal growth and collaboration. The session concluded with participants acknowledging and appreciating one another’s strengths.

The final day, 28 December, focused on future planning and action. Participants were divided into regional groups Bangalore, Bylakuppe, and the newly formed V-TAG Mangaluru chapter to develop realistic and achievable advocacy action plans. Each group presented detailed plans outlining proposed campaigns, target audiences, timelines, funding sources, and plans for regular virtual coordination to ensure effective implementation.

The training concluded with a vote of thanks by DIIR Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay, who also awarded certificates of completion to the participants. He urged the youth to take responsibility as advocates for the Tibetan cause and to prepare themselves as future leaders of the Tibetan exile community. V-TAG Bylakuppe Coordinator Karma Dorjee delivered Vote of thanks appreciating the organizers on behalf of V-TAG members and the participants. The training ended with reflection and feedback sharing by the participants.

This three-day V-TAG Youth Capacity Building and Advocacy Training marks the second such programme held in South India for Tibetan youth studying or residing in the region. It represents an important milestone in the CTA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen youth leadership, enhance advocacy skills, and reinforce the global Tibet movement.

– Filed by the Tibet Advocacy Section, Department of Information and International Relations, CTA