
Seminar on “Environment and Security” Unites Tibet and India in Itanagar
Itanagar: On 24 January 2025, a significant seminar on “Environment and Security” was successfully organised by the Himalaya Suraksha Manch, Arunachal Pradesh, at the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Hall, Legislative Assembly, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The seminar, aimed at spreading awareness on the dependent security of Regional Ecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh, and witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 700 attendees, including Hon’ble Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of Arunachal Pradesh, Former Ministers and MLAs, Major and Corporators of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), as well as prominent members of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribal Forum (AITF), which is the apex organisation of community-based organisations (CBOs).
Representatives from all tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, various NGOs, the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), Market Welfare Associations of Itanagar, Naharlagun, Banderdewa, and Gohpur, along with student organisations, also actively participated in the seminar. Additionally, the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India were represented at the event. Delegates from various Assembly Constituencies of Arunachal Pradesh further enriched the discussions.
The seminar commenced with a ceremonial reception and exhibition tour for Shri Pema Khandu, Honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Honourable leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Shri Tapir Gao, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Co-Convenor of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, in his welcome address, stressed the significance of the seminar in addressing the environmental and security concerns caused by Tibet’s mismanagement under Chinese control. Shri Rinchen Khando Khrimey, National Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India, in his introductory remarks, provided an overview of the organisation’s objectives, emphasising the longstanding historical and cultural ties between India and Tibet.
In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering gave an overview of the Central Tibetan Administration’s initiatives, functionaries, and vision, and elaborated Indo-Tibet’s historical relations. His Excellence highlighted the urgent need for India to take proactive measures to safeguard the region’s shared ecological and cultural heritage and raised concern about Tibet’s environmental degradation and its geopolitical implications for India’s security.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, in his keynote address, emphasised the environmental and ecological interdependence between Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. He highlighted the historical basis of Arunachal Pradesh’s border, which was demarcated under the Shimla Treaty, and expressed concerns over China’s expansionist policies. Shri Khandu clarified that India shares its border with Tibet, not China, and condemned the forceful occupation of Tibet by China, and criticised the cultural genocide being done by China in the name of development. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Tarh Tarak from Himalaya Suraksha Manch.
The afternoon session, moderated by Shri Moji Riba, Assistant Professor and Founder Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Rajiv Gandhi University, included an insightful presentation by Shri Vijay Kranti, a noted Tibetologist and Former National Co-Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India and an insightful and impactful presentation by His Excellency Penpa Tsering, Hon’ble Sikyong, Central Tibetan Administration. His Excellency Penpa Tsering presented a comprehensive overview on Tibet being the Water tower of Asia and stressed on the urgency of Tibet’s degrading environmental concern due to China’s dam construction projects, and its implications on Arunachal Pradesh’s geopolitical security. The session concluded with a highly engaging and interactive Question and Answer segment, allowing attendees to directly address their queries and discuss significant issues with the Hon’ble Sikyong and Shri Vijay Kranti. The dialogue enriched the seminar, fostering a deeper understanding of the geopolitical nature of the regional ecosystem.
The event was enhanced by a significant exhibition on Tibet, organised by the Tibet Museum, themed “India and Tibet: Ancient Ties and Current Bonds,” offering participants deep insights into Tibet’s history, culture, and challenges. The seminar also highlighted the contributions of the India-Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) in promoting India-Tibet relations. ITCO facilitated the distribution of insightful books, including Handbook on Tibet and India Leaders on Tibet, to participants. ITCO Coordinator Tashi Dekyi further honoured dignitaries by presenting souvenirs, symbolising the enduring bond between India and Tibet and reinforcing ITCO’s commitment to strengthening these ties.
The Seminar ended with a vote of thanks by Shri Surendra Kumar, Co-Convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India. The seminar served as a platform to raise awareness about the environmental challenges in Tibet and their implications for India’s ecological security, marking the event as a key platform for fostering discussions on ecological protection, regional stability and addressing the Tibet issue for lasting peace.
– Report filed by ITCO, New Delhi