Guwahati, Assam: Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the inauguration of the 14th Tawang Tirth Yatra (a pilgrimage to holy Tawang) in Guwahati, organised by Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, Assam chapter, as part of its Tibet Awareness Campaign, on 19 November 2025.

It was also attended by Shri Dr. Numol Momin, Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly; Smt Nandita Gorlosa, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare of Assam; Shri Rupesh Kumar, National Executive members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS); Shri Pankaj Goyal, National organisational secretary, BTSM; Shri Bidya Sing Engleng, Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly; Shri Rinchen Khandu Khrimey, (former MP and Minister, Government of Arunachal Pradesh); Shri Kailash Sarma, President of the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch, Assam; Tashi Dikyi, Coordinator of the India-Tibet Coordination Office based in New Delhi; and several other local dignitaries.

Around 300 participants from 18 different Indian states will commence their yatra from Guwahati and will progress through Mongaldai, Bomdila, and Sela Pass before reaching Tawang.

The inaugural began with the lighting of a ceremonial butter lamp by Sikyong as its chief guest, followed by presentations of vibrant Assamese cultural performances.

To underscore the objectives of Tawang Tirth Yatra and how it was eventuated, Shri Kailash Sarma, Shri Pankaj Goyal, Shri Rinchen Khandu Khrimey, and Shri Rupesh Kumar expounded the introduction, development, and continuation of the Yatra before the gathering.

In his address, Sikyong extended greetings to all participants and noted that the Central Tibetan Administration had recently commemorated the 75th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s assumption of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal responsibilities.

Sikyong then underscored the importance of understanding the factual Tibetan history as an essential foundation for supporting the Tibetan cause. He briefed the gathering on Tibet’s geographical formation and highlighted the zenith of Tibet’s power during the imperial period. He further noted the historical ties between India and Tibet, particularly through linguistic and scholarly interactions, pointing out that the Tibetan language is among the fifteen oldest languages with script in the world.

Additionally, Sikyong also provided a concise introduction to Tibet’s historical relations with the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as well as with British India. He firmly refuted the Chinese government’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times, calling it a distortion of historical fact, and reiterated that Tibet has remained an independent nation since antiquity.

Highlighting the global environmental significance of the Tibetan plateau, Sikyong explained why Tibet is known as the “Roof of the World,” the “Third Pole,” and “Asia’s Water Tower.” He expressed deep concern over China’s ongoing construction of mega dams on the Brahmaputra River, warning that the river is being transformed into a polluted stream. This, Sikyong cautioned, threatens the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions across Asia, with experts predicting that future conflicts—including the possibility of a third world war—could arise over water resources.

Reaffirming Tibet’s unwavering commitment to non-violence, Sikyong stated that, guided by the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and non-harm, Tibetans have always pursued—and must continue to pursue—their struggle through peaceful means. He reiterated that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way Approach remains the most viable and mutually beneficial solution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict. Tibetans, he said, will never abandon hope and will persist in their efforts until a peaceful resolution is achieved.

In conclusion, Sikyong expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the Government and the people of India for their steadfast support and enduring kindness toward the Tibetan people. He appealed to the Indian Tibetan supporters to continue their vital support for the Tibetan cause.

The first Tawang Tirth Yatra was held in 2012, and since then it has been held fourteen times. The ongoing 14th Tawang Tirth Yatra began today and will continue until 25 November.