Tibet Policy Institute held a book launch event to celebrate the release of the 11th Edition of the Tibet Policy Journal in Tibetan and English. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

Dharamshala: The Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, hosted a book launch event this morning at its Library Hall to mark the release of the 11th editions of the “Tibet Policy Journal 2024” in both Tibetan and English. The event took place in the presence of TPI Director, Dawa Tsering.

The program commenced at 11:00 a.m., with TPI Deputy Director, Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, outlining the purpose of the gathering. He warmly welcomed the speakers, researchers, audience members, and media representatives for their presence and engagement.

The publication features research articles, with the Tibetan edition containing 12 articles and the English edition featuring 10, and were edited by Dr. Lobsang Thapka, while the English edition was overseen by Dr. Tenzin Desal, respectively.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Director Zamlha emphasised the objectives behind the publication and the importance of organising such events. He underscored the institute’s dedication to nurturing a culture of research within the Tibetan community, encouraged aspiring researchers to contribute to future editions, and aimed to raise public awareness. “This gathering highlights the significance of these publications in shaping the discourse surrounding Tibetan policy and contemporary issues,” he remarked.

Following the introduction, Phenthok, a research fellow specialising in Chinese language studies, provided an overview of the process involved in compiling the bilingual annual journals. She shared insights into the early stages of the project and the challenges it encountered.

Dr. Lobsang Thapka, a Tibetan researcher and the editor of the Tibetan-language edition of the “Tibet Policy Journal”, discussed the editorial process, which involved selecting and compiling research articles contributed by various scholars. He further provided an overview of the major content and its significance.

Dr. Thapka also addressed the challenges and responsibilities involved in developing the journal’s content, reflecting on the collaborative effort required to produce high-quality academic work, particularly in the Tibetan language. His remarks emphasised the growing importance of such scholarly contributions.

Dr. Tsewang Dorji, a TPI researcher and one of the contributing authors, presented a summary of his research. He shared key findings from his work and explained how it contributes to a broader understanding of the current situation in Tibet. Dr. Dorji also highlighted the role of academic research in preserving Tibetan identity and raising global awareness of Tibet-related issues.

In his closing remarks, Director Dawa Tsering praised the editorial team and all contributors for their hard work in bringing the bilingual journals to publication. He stressed the vital role academic research plays in enhancing understanding of Tibet’s political, social, and cultural matters.

“It is through such scholarly efforts that we can deepen awareness and stimulate meaningful dialogue on the critical challenges facing Tibet and its people,” he noted. Director Dawa Tsering also expressed his hope that the “Tibet Policy Journal” would continue to serve as a valuable platform for fostering informed debate. Highlighting the journal’s inclusive approach, he added, “This platform not only encourages Tibetan researchers but also welcomes Indian scholars to share their perspectives, enriching the depth and scope of discussions on Tibet-related issues.”