The dignitaries at the seminar on “Free Tibet – India Border Security – Peace in Asia”.
28th January 2023, Mysuru: Reinforcing the roots of Indo Tibet Friendship Society, Mysuru Chapter established in the year 2003 with late Group Captain Rajagopalaji, then President; Sh.B.C. Veeraraj Urs, Secretary; Sh.Shivaram D. J, President(incumbent); Sh.Lakshman Gowda, Vice President; in a joint venture with Vidyavardhaka First Grade College, Mysuru hosted a seminar on “Free Tibet – India Border Security – Peace in Asia”.
Dr. S.Manigowda, Principal, VVFG College welcomed the delegates; distinguished scholars, faculty members, staff and students of the college. Sh.Shrishaila Ramannavar, Hon’ble Treasurer, VV Sangha(R), in his opening remarks shared his experience of acquaintance with Tibetan communities in exile, their aspirations and hardship for sustaining their identity. He reflected upon his past visits to Dharamshala and his audience with His Eminence Karmapa Rinpoche – his insights and practices.
Invited as key note speaker at the event, Sh.Ravi Joshi, former diplomat who has not only served in India but also held key roles in UN missions, spoke about China’s economic growth in three consecutive decades maintaining a growth of 10 percent per annum, systemic change from nationalism to communism ideology, crushing of its people’s voice as orchestrated during Tiananmen Square in Beijing and flexing its maritime power under the leadership of Xi Jinping. Orchestrating its illegitimate hold on Tibet while extending the control even over Arunachal Pradesh claiming as Southern Tibet leads to proof of Communist China’s expansionist policy which is solely centred on its sheer vested interest – states Joshi.
Sh.Satish, Col.(retd.) reminisced his experience at war front and defined the acronyms of LOC, LAC, International Border (IB), UAV, NVG, PMF, CRPF and BSF in making a better understanding of India’s border at sea and land. While referring to ITBP Col. Satish made it a point that although Chinese military incursions into Indian territory came into highlight more aggressively from Galwan incident in 2020 to recent skirmishes in Arunachal Pradesh in December 2022 whereas geographically and historically China shares the boundary not with India but Tibet. He highlighted the significance of Tibetan refugees presence in India and its contribution in enriching the fabric of India’s unity in diversity.
Chief Representative Officer of Central Tibetan Administration in Bengaluru, Jigmey Tsultrim, expressed gratitude towards Vidyavardhaka First Grade College and ITFS Mysuru for organising the event. He lauded these initiatives which he said will go a long way in serving the young minds of Indian youth to ascertain how far Indian ancient wisdom has reached and how well it has been preserved by Tibetan people despite numerous challenges.
Sh.Shivaram D.J, the chair of the seminar, underlined the overall objective of this event and expressed his hope that the faculty and students may have hugely benefitted from this event and must have roused many queries about India’s relation with Tibet. He further stated that this will then lead to more clarity over how Indians must direct their approach towards Tibetan people in supporting their hopes for returning to their fatherland Tibet. He congratulated Sh.Niranjan Umapathy for the successful stewardship of this seminar and expressed his hopes for more of such events in the months to come in other institutions in Mysuru and Bengaluru as well.
More than 500 students of MA course and 50 faculty members attended the seminar. In addition to other distinguished guests, Ms.Tenzin Dhadon, TSO Hunsuru, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, Director, Shenphen Institute Mysuru also attended the event. Followed by the conclusion of seminar, ITFS Mysuru chapter had an internal meeting in drawing the plans for future course of programs, events and initiatives particularly in Mysuru region.
–Filed by the Chief Representative Office, South Zone
CRO, South India, Jigmey Tsultrim addressing the gathering.
Faculty and students at the seminar.
Group photo.
