Dharamshala: In the final days of completing his 10-year tenure, CTA President Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay received a virtual farewell from members of Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Canada and Tibetan associations: MP Arif Virani, PFT chair, MP James Maloney, PFT vice chair, MP Garnett Genuis, PFT vice chair, MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, PFT vice chair, MP Paul Manly, PFT vice chair, Senator Mobina Jaffer, PFT member, Senator ThanhHai Ngo, PFT member and MP Elizabeth May, PFT member, Representative Ngodup Tsering, Office of Tibet, Washington DC, Sherap Therchin, Executive Director (Canada Tibet Committee), Samphe Lhalungpa, Chair (Canada Tibet Committee, Gayle Turner (vice president Alinea Canada previously called Agriteam), Paul Degiacomo (Alinea Canada).
A video montage of Sikyong’s visits to Ottawa on Tibet advocacy-related and other engagements was screened which was followed by the speakers sharing their memories and highlights of working with the Sikyong. Speakers shared their great experience working with the Sikyong and expressed hope to continue to advocate for the Tibetan cause and hold China accountable going forward with the new Tibetan leadership.
MP James Maloney appreciated Sikyong’s frequent visits to Vancouver for Tibet advocacy work and called him a “pioneer” for being the first democratically elected leader and lauded his “intellect, elegance and grace”.
MP Garnett Genuis called Sikyong, “relentless and remarkable” in his advocacy and his role in “elevating the profile of the Tibetan cause and the Tibetan administration throughout the world” and “his intense knowledge of Tibet issue and Parliamentaries around the world”.
MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe expressed his admiration for Sikyong’s impressive advocacy work and thanked him for his inspiring service to the Tibetan people.
MP Paul Manly, PFT vice chair shared his wonder and appreciation for Sikyong’s commitment and work, especially as a leader of an exile government.
Senator Mobina Jaffer, PFT member assured Sikyong of continued help to the Tibetan cause and described it as something close to her heart.
Representative Ngodup Tsering, Office of Tibet, Washington DC, paid tribute to Sikyong for his visionary leadership and patriotism from his experience working closely for years with the Sikyong in various capacities.
Sherap Therchin, Executive Director (Canada Tibet Committee) celebrated Sikyong’s selfless prioritizing of the cause of Tibet.
Samphe Lhalungpa, Chair (Canada Tibet Committee) called the Chinese government’s aggressive influence across the world speaking from first hand knowledge and compared the CCP challenge to a David versus Goliath fight.
Gayle Turner (vice president Alinea Canada previously called Agriteam) shared how the organization formed a relationship with Sikyong whose tenacity and charm persuaded continued funding for the education projects in India and Nepal.
Next, MP Arif Virani presented an overview of PFT Canada’s milestones during Sikyong’s tenure from speaking at the Standing Committee hearing of the Canadian House of Common’s Special Committee on Canada-China Relations among other things to celebrating his great humanism, his fortitude and his tenacity.
Sikyong responding to the effusive tribute from his colleagues urged them to keep up “the good fight” for the Tibetan cause and shared his insight for his successful leadership, crediting it to a good team whose genuine intentions produce the best results.
Tenzin Chogkyi gave an overview in Tibetan speaking about the immense dedication and sacrifice of the Sikyong in an emotional tribute expressing her gratitude for his mentorship and also, optimism in working with the new Tibetan leadership.
MP Arif Virani wrapped up the event with a farewell to the Sikyong and thanked the guests and the audience around the world watching it.
Watch the virtual felicitation posted by MP Arif Virani:
Thank you Dr. Lobsang Sangay Event
Join the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet for an event in appreciation of Dr. Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Government
Posted by Arif Virani on Tuesday, 18 May 2021