Dharamshala: The inauguration of the meeting was honored by Chief Guest Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Special Guest Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and parliamentarians from the Utsang province. The meeting will be held from April 1 to 4 and is being attended by executive members of regional Utsang associations from over 20 locations.

The event commenced with the lighting of butter lamps by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, followed by the singing of the Tibetan national anthem and a minute of silence in honor of Tibetan martyrs. This was followed by an introductory address by Dawa Tsering, President of Utsang Cholkha and Member of Parliament, and the presentation of the annual report by Executive Member Topgyal. The first copies of the History of Utsang Cholkha were then presented to the special guest and the chief guest, after which speeches were delivered by them.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of understanding the history of Utsang Cholkha and commended the hard work of all those who have made significant contributions to its founding, growth, and continued success, making the association an exemplary model within the community. At the same time, the Deputy Speaker called for a collective effort from all the people of Utsang to further strengthen the association.

Lauding the efforts of the Central Utsang Cholkha’s executive members, the Deputy Speaker commended their significant contributions across various fields, including social work, politics, religion, and more. She particularly praised Utsang people who have dedicated themselves to supporting elders, the sick, and former political prisoners.

The Deputy Speaker also shared her personal experience as a former president of the association, recounting how she helped raise the association’s funds from nearly nothing to 24 lakh rupees. She also highlighted the successful organization of a long-life prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama when He turned 73 during her presidential term.

The Deputy Speaker, addressing the need to reach out to more people from Utsang, emphasized the importance of organizing upcoming meetings in locations other than Dharamshala. She suggested establishing branches of the association in various places so that people at the grassroots level can better understand the association’s initiatives.

In addition, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the successful conclusion of the 9th session of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. This session saw the election of the Justice Commissioners for the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and the Auditor General of the Office of the Auditor General. She extended her congratulations to all the newly elected dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), especially to parliamentarian Dawa Phunkyi, who was present at the event and elected as a Justice Commissioner.

As 2025 is being celebrated as the Year of Compassion by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birth anniversary, the Deputy Speaker urged the public to practice compassion toward individuals with differing ideologies and political stances, as a true tribute to His Holiness’s vision.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker expressed his happiness in attending the event and highlighted Tibet’s rich cultural and religious significance, which has spanned over 2,000 years, as detailed in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s most recent book, Voice for the Voiceless.

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the older generation of Tibetans, and the host country, India, in supporting Tibet during one of the most challenging periods in its history. The Speaker emphasized that the global recognition of the Tibetan issue today is largely due to the unwavering efforts and blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Clarifying that Tibetans hold legitimate authority over Tibet, not China, as the Chinese government claims, the Speaker referenced China’s White Papers published since 1992. He specifically pointed to the most recent one, released by the State Council Information Office of China on March 28th of this year. This document asserted that there has been “development in Tibet” and alleged that the “Dalai clique and Western countries are plotting to separate Tibet from China,” a statement the Speaker condemned as completely false and an attempt to incite division. The Speaker also highlighted the discrimination faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule, emphasizing the harsh and disheartening realities in Tibet. He described the Chinese government’s systematic efforts to Sinicize Tibet, including imposing restrictions on religious practices and limiting the use of the Tibetan language.

Applauding the bravery and sacrifices of Tibetans inside Tibet, the Speaker urged all Tibetans in the diaspora to join efforts in resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict. He emphasised the importance of collective action in uplifting the morale of Tibetans in Tibet, who are the true sources of inspiration.

Concluding his address, the Speaker encouraged Tibetans to remain steadfast and hopeful. Quoting His Holiness’s teachings on the impermanence of all things, he reminded the audience that while the Chinese government may appear powerful today, change is inevitably on the horizon in China.