Dharamsala: The President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived in San Francisco on 27 August. The members of the Tibetan Association of North California (TANC) along with local Tibetan Communities gave a warm traditional welcome to the President.
President Dr Sangay addressed the Tibetan community in San Francisco. In his address, he spoke about the importance and preservation of Tibetan language, culture, and values. He advised parents to send their children to study Tibetan language and culture at the Weekend Tibetan language and culture school and also encouraged parents to send their children to take part in summer program in Dharamsala, India to gain knowledge and exposure to Tibetan community, and CTA.
President Dr Sangay explained about the activities and projects of different departments of the CTA and paid tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the older generation of Tibetans for laying a strong foundation for the Central Tibetan Administration. He also spoke about the importance of the Tibetan voluntary fund known as the Green book and appealed to the public to contribute without fail to sustain the Tibetan administration.
He also spoke about CTA’s Five-Fifty Vision urged the public to remain united against all odds and ensure the success of the Tibetan movement. President Dr Sangay declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Gratitude’ to express gratitude to all the countries hosting the Tibetan people and divulged CTA’s plans of honoring these countries’ support to the Tibetan people.
While in SanFrancisco, President Dr Sangay met Gabriel Quinto (Mayor Pro Tem), the Mayor and Council members of El Cerrito city: Janet Abelson, Paul Fadelli, Cheryl Morse and Scott Hanin. He also met the Council members of the Richmond City: Richard Mitchell Director of Planning and Bldg. Service, Council member Eduardo Martinez, Ryan Smith and Janet Johnson. He also met Mayor Jesse Arreguin, Council members Kriss Worthington and Cheryl K. Davila of the city of Berkeley, also present at the meeting was Jain Thapa, representative of US Congresswoman Barabara Lee.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Sangay extended his sincere gratitude to the Mayor and Council members for their support to the Tibetans. He apprised them about the present situation in Tibet particularly the wave of self-immolations, clampdown on the Tibetan identity, culture and religion and the ongoing demolitions at Larung Gar and Yarchen Gar.
He further appealed them to continue supporting the Tibetan people and Tibetan cause. The Mayors, Council members and City managers assured their support and assistance.
During the meeting, Council Member Kriss Worthington was honored by TANC in the presence of Dr. Sangay by presenting a traditional thangka and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his unflinching support to the Tibetans and Tibetan cause.
Dr Sangay also inaugurated “Namchod Kyetsel” -TANC’s weekend language school . At the event, TANC also introduced the newly elected executive members of the Association. President Dr Sangay acknowledged and encouraged outgoing and incoming TANC executive members and other active members of the community for their sincere efforts to work for the community towards preserving Tibetan language and culture.
President Dr Sangay will fly to Denver, Colorado on 29 August.