Amsterdam, 26 May: “We all are political refugees” living in different parts of the world, said Kalon Tsering Dhundup during his addresses to the Tibetan Communities in Belgium and Holland.

The Tibetan Communities have important responsibilities in the preservation and promotion of the Tibetan culture.

Kalon Tsering Dhundup today addressed the members of the Tibetan Community in Holland in Amsterdam, the last leg of his visit to Switzerland, Belgium and Holland. He is Central Tibetan Administration’s head of the Finance Department.

All the three countries have well-established Tibetan Communities. They have also setup Tibetan language schools classes for the young Tibetans.

“The Tibetan language schools are of tremendous importance in ensuring our Tibetan Buddhist culture and language are taught to the younger generation,” said Kalon Tsering Dhundup.

He urged the Tibetan Communities to strengthen their activities, which contribute towards the survival of the Tibetan people both culturally and politically. The Central Tibetan Administration recognizes the vital role of the Tibetan communities.

Tibetans are scattered across the world. Wherever there are Tibetans, the Tibetan Communities look after the welfare of the Tibetan people and support the work of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Kalon Tsering Dhundup gave motivational talk about the importance of the Dhanglang Chatrel – the voluntary contribution by Tibetans to the Central Tibetan Administration to all the three Tibetan Communities in Switzerland, Belgium (Antwerp and Brussels) and Holland.

“Dhanglang Chatrel contribution is not only a financial contribution but is it one’s political expression of solidarity to the preservation and survival of the Tibetan identity – both culturally and politically,” he said.

He spoke of the political situation in Tibet today and 139 Tibetans who have self-immolated since February 2009.