Toronto, Canada: The President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay interacted with young Canadian Tibetans in Toronto. The importance of embracing and preserving Tibetan Identity was highlight of the interaction.
Speaking on the existential question that the younger generation sometimes is faced with, Dr Sangay affirmed that one remains Tibetan regardless of the citizenship one holds. He further added that though one must integrate into the Canadian system, but one must not assimilate. “You can be a proud Canadian but you are always a Tibetan. We should be who we are,” he added.
Elucidating on the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots, Dr. Sangay iterated the importance of learning Tibetan language. “My Tibetan was bad,” said Dr. Sangay. Recalling his own experience, he shared how he put in hours of hard work to improve his knowledge of Tibetan language. “I am still learning, I am still working hard and there is no end to learning. It’s not easy but one must strive forward,” he said.
Speaking of the various platforms and resources one can avail to learn Tibetan language, Dr Sangay urged the audience to participate and make use of such platforms.
Iterating the significance of the CTA, Dr Sangay emphasised that the CTA is the nerve centre of the Tibetan freedom movement and the custodian of Tibetan culture and Identity. He also highlighted the role of Tibetan schools, monasteries and the Tibetan settlements in exile in preserving and inculcating the essence of our identity, “If CTA collapses, Tibetan movement collapses and if the schools, monasteries and the settlements collapses, our identity collapses and it is important to remember that,” he said.