DHARAMSHALA: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, inaugurated the 10th anniversary of Tibetan Chamber of Commerce (TCC). He also released a souvenir “10 Years of Journey” and a calendar booklet “Forever in Gratitude,” as a tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday at Norbu House, Mcleod Ganj, yesterday. Ten members of TCC received special commendations as well.
Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dolma Gyari, Home Kalon, Mr. Kesang Ngurup Damo, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations also attended the occasion.
Following a minute’s silence for the Tibetan self-immolators who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet, Mr. Lobsang Ngodup, President of TCC, delivered a brief account of the association.
Addressing the audience, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay emphasised the moral responsibility on which the chamber’s ideology “Business with Ethics” was based. He recalled examples of some of the leading businessmen who have donated huge sums of money for the welfare of underprivileged people.
He highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s aspiration to have Tibetan millionaires and billionaires, and stressed on the need to have basic business sense so as to achieve the goal. He also spoke about importance of business skills, and the need to be innovative.
“With anticipation of improving the business aspects in Tibetan community, the Central Tibetan Administration, along with the Finance department, aspires to include business-oriented syllabus, entrepreneurship skills and family business in schools,” Sikyong added.
Sikyong also highlighted the sound financial state of the Central Tibetan Administration. He explained that the CTA’s annual budget for the financial year 2011- 2012 was INR 1,025 million. However, the annual budget for the financial year 2015-16 is INR 2,008 million, which is almost double the amount in four years. This shows the CTA’s financial strength and its commitment to invest for the development of Tibetan community.
“In the last six months only, the Central Tibetan Administration has raised around 50 crores for its rehabilitation and development projects. The sanction of these funds is also a reflection of support for the activities and leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration,” Sikyong said.
Speaker Mr. Penpa Tsering, in his address, stressed on political engagement and social responsibilities of businesses rather than pursuing businesses solely for profit motives. He also encouraged more cultural exchange events through TCC activities.
Paying her warm wishes, Home Kalon Dolma Gyari spoke on the recent changes in the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy. The policy states that the Indian Government approves ‘multi-usage’ of the land provided for the Tibetan settlers in India.
“Business and Survival are inter-dependent. The department of home welcomes any partnership contract from the TCC for the better welfare of Tibetans in exile,” she said. She also informed the gathering about the two projects which are in the pipeline.
Mr. Kesang Ngurup Damo said, “With a changing world, the rules and regulations are also being changed everywhere. Business modules are being changed. The regulations, taxation and land laws and everything are changing with time. So the Tibetan community cannot be isolated from the changing rules and regulation.” He offered his support to the chamber to assist in every possible way.
The Tibetan Chamber of Commerce was voluntarily established during the first Tibetan business conference, organised by the Department of Finance, Central Tibetan Administration in June 2005. It was formed with the purpose of undertaking promotional activities to enhance the business interests of its members and support entrepreneurship in the Tibetan community.
