Noida: India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), New Delhi and Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida jointly organized a seminar titled “Tibet Beyond Foreign Policy” at the campus on 13th September 2023.

The seminar was joined by Claude Arpi, Author, Tibetologist and Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida; and Dr. Lobsang Yangtso, Senior Researcher, International Tibet Network as the speakers.

The seminar began with the introductory remarks by Dr. Jabin T. Jacob, Director, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence. Dr. Jacob in his remarks mentioned that Tibet has its own significance in today’s world and the world needs to look at Tibet beyond foreign policy to understand it. 

Claude Arpi in his address with a presentation titled “Tibet under China: Set up and Infrastructure,” highlighted the policies and developments in Tibet after its occupation by China in 1959. He meticulously elucidated, using visual aids, the policies being carried out by the Chinese authorities in Tibet with the aim of diminishing Tibetan culture and encouraging the assimilation of Tibetan customs into the Chinese way of life. Additionally, he discussed the infrastructural developments in Tibet benefitting the majority Han Chinese majority, while also providing strategic military advantages to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in their efforts to fortify the Tibetan plateau. Arpi’s presentation further highlighted the situation of Tibetans inside Tibet with extensive monitoring of social media and repressive surveillance by the Chinese authorities. The evolving demographic makeup of Tibet, marked by the significant influx of Han Chinese residents and millions of Han tourists, has rendered Tibetans a minority in their own homeland, a deeply troubling issue for the Tibetan population residing within Tibet.

Dr. Lobsang Yangtso delivered a presentation titled “Tibet’s Rivers and its Significance for India,” wherein she discussed the crucial role of major rivers originating in Tibet and flowing into India and downstream countries. Her presentation shed light on the exploitation of these rivers in Tibet and extensive mining activities by Chinese authorities, a matter of significant concern for both India and neighbouring countries. Dr. Yangtso further highlighted on the significance of these rivers originating from Tibet for India and other neighbouring countries; and the steps to be taken by all the concerned countries to safeguard the exploitation and destruction of Tibet’s rivers and ecology. 

After the speakers’ session, Dr. Devendra Kumar, Associate Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies presented the discussants’ remarks highlighting the current situation inside Tibet especially the activities along the border as presented by Claude Arpi and Dr. Lobsang Yangtso. 

The session was followed by a Q&A session where the speakers had good exchanges and interactions with the audience, especially the students.

At the end of the seminar, Thupten Rinzin, Coordinator of ITCO New Delhi, delivered the concluding remarks, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies at Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence in Greater Noida for their invaluable collaboration, which contributed significantly to the resounding success of the event. He also extended his thanks to the guest speakers for their outstanding presentations, which elucidated various facets of Tibet and its contemporary relevance.

Furthermore, Thupten underscored the pressing need to comprehend the Tibetan situation and lend support to the Tibetan cause. He emphasised three key aspects: the historical impact of Tibet on India, the ongoing repercussions of developments in Tibet on India, and the anticipated future implications of Tibet-related issues on India.

As a token of appreciation, the Indian Tibet Coordination Office felicitated the guest speakers and the members of the Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida.

Aside from the conference, the Tibet Museum from Dharamshala was also invited where they showcased a photo exhibition titled “India-Tibet Relations” on campus which was thronged by students and faculties of the university.

India Tibet Coordination Office, New Delhi also distributed Tibet-related books during the conference.

-Reported by ITCO, New Delhi