Dharamshala: The India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), based in New Delhi, organised a visit to Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, for a delegation of five senior journalists from leading media outlets as part of its annual media outreach program. The delegation, which visited from 7 to 10 December 2024, gained firsthand insights into the Tibetan issue, the operations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and the lives of Tibetans in exile. The distinguished delegation members included Narendra Nath Mishra, Political Editor of Navbharat Times, Pradeep Thakur, Editor of Governance at The Times of India, Keshav Padmanabhan, Principal Correspondent at The Print, Chin Wei Lee, Correspondent for Central News Agency, Taiwan, and Saman Husain, Correspondent for The Indian Express.

Throughout their visit, the delegation participated in a series of educational tours, meetings, and interactive sessions designed to deepen their understanding of the ongoing struggles and resilience of the Tibetan community in exile.

The delegation’s first day began with a visit to the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), where they explored Tibetan arts and interacted with senior artists. Later, they visited the Upper Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV), where they received an overview of the school’s operations and engaged with hostel guardians and matrons, gaining insights into the lives of Tibetan children residing in the hostels. The delegation was assisted by Kelsang Phuntsok, General Secretary of TCV.

On the second day, the delegation met with leaders from various Tibetan non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local community representatives to discuss the political and social issues facing Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile. The Media delegation toured the Tibet Museum, where they explored exhibits related to Tibet’s history and the ongoing struggle for freedom. Additionally, the delegation visited the Norbulingka Institute, an important center for Tibetan arts and culture, further enriching their understanding of Tibetan heritage.

Discussions with senior officials from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) included a meeting with Norzin Dolma, Kalon (Minister), the Department of Information and International Relations, where they explored the political situation in Tibet, CTA initiatives, and the media’s role in raising awareness of the Tibetan cause. The delegation also visited Tibet TV, where they gained insights into the media’s role in advocating for Tibet’s political rights.

The delegation also met with Dolma Gyari, Officiating Sikyong of the CTA, who provided valuable perspectives on the current political landscape of the Tibetan movement. Following a lunch at the CTA Staff Mess, the delegation toured the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, where they engaged with Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker, and Dolma Tsering, Deputy Speaker, who shared the challenges faced by Tibetans inside Tibet, including cultural suppression and human rights violations.

The delegation then had a meeting with Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, Director, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, and observed preserved manuscripts and Buddhist scriptures. They also visited Mentseekhang (Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute), where they explored Tibetan medical practices and herbal traditions through its museum and interacted with Amche (Tibetan doctors). The day ended with an invitation for dinner hosted by the Kashag (Cabinet), CTA at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts where they observed TIPA’s cultural performance.

The visit concluded with the delegation’s participation in an official event at Tsuglakhang, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The event was followed by a press meet, during which the delegation engaged with local Tibetan media representatives. Throughout the visit, the delegation was accompanied by Tashi Dekyi, Coordinator at the India Tibet Coordination Office.

This visit provided the delegation members with a unique opportunity to experience the Tibetan community and its exile administration firsthand. The delegation left Dharamshala with a deeper understanding of the Tibetan movement and a renewed commitment to supporting the cause for Tibetan rights and freedoms.

ITCO continues to remain committed to raising awareness of the Tibetan issue and strengthening media support for Tibet’s political and cultural aspirations.

-Report filed by India Tibet Coordination Office, New Delhi