Dharamshala: A group of researchers from the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) attended the 16th Seminar of International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) which commenced on 3 July 2022 at the Charles University based in Prague, Czech Republic.
The attendees from TPI, led by its Director Dawa Tsering and the researchers, namely Dr Tsewang Dorjee, Dr Tsering Dolma, Karma Tenzin, Tenzin Dalha, Rigmon Tsering Samdup and Tenzin Phenthok participated in IATS as a part of the official visitation to present their respective research articles at the seminar.
On the first day of the Tibetologists’ symposium, Tenzin Phenthok exhibited a research presentation on the 29-point regulation recommended by Manchu officials to the Tibetan administration in 18th century during the session on Tibet – China Relations presided by TPI Director Dawa Tsering. Additionally, Dr Tsering Dolma and Tenzin Dalha talked about ‘Lha brang dgon and 4th Lha brang sprul sku incarnation of Kham sde dge’ and Tibetan digital language, respectively.
Furthermore, researcher Rigmon Tsering Samdup presented his thesis on the pillar of Nangso Lama, a Tibetan missionary monk to Manchu, on the following day. At the same time, Dr Tsewang Dorjee talked about the development and value of the treaty accorded between Tibet and Khunu in 1681 and thereafter, Karma Tenzin presented the usage of Tibetan language in Dolpo region, western Nepal, and its challenges.
Professor Mark Steven Aldenderfer, University of California, highlighted the manipulation of Tibetan culture and histories under current Chinese authorities during a plenary talk at the seminar where drawings of the Tibetan military were displayed.
The 16th seminar of IATS was participated by around 600 researchers making it the largest of its sequels. Researchers from Tibet virtually attended the seminar due to restrictions imposed by Beijing amid the Covid surge in China. The seminar titled ‘Shangshung and Tibet Relation’ was also partaken by Chinese scholars from various countries.