
V-TAG Leads Solidarity Efforts for Earthquake Victims and Advocates for Tibet.
Delhi: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and advocacy, the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (VTAG) has recently spearheaded multiple initiatives to support Tibet and its people following a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Shigatse, Dingri County and other Tibetan areas. On January 8, 2025, VTAG actively participated in a candlelight vigil organised by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) Delhi and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA) Delhi at Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi. The vigil brought together members of the Tibetan diaspora and the local Indian community to honour the lives lost and pray for the victims. VTAG’s impactful posters, which carried messages of compassion and resilience, designed by Tenzin Choezin, Delhi V-TAG member and social media handler, added a visual depth to the event, amplifying its message of unity and compassion.
In addition to the vigil, VTAG’s “Prayers for Earthquake Victims in Occupied Tibet” initiative raised ₹16,500, which was distributed among 11 Tibetan monasteries across India. The funds were used to light butter lamps and conduct prayers for the victims, fostering a spiritual connection with those affected. The monasteries included Tsuglhakhang in Dharamshala, Sakya and Mindroling Gompas in Dehradun, and others in Bylakuppe, Sikkim, Mundgod, Solan and Shimla. Visuals of this initiative, shared on VTAG’s social media, further spread the message of solidarity and compassion. This initiative was led by V-TAG members, Dadon, Bangalore V-TAG member, Tsering Yeshi, Dehradun V-TAG member, RinchenWangyal, Mysore V-TAG member, LodrakTharchin, Delhi V-TAG member and Tenzing Dheden, Dharamshala V-TAG Coordinator, in coordination with regional V-TAG Coordinators and National Coordinator.
On 21 January 2025, V-TAG representatives, led by Delhi V-TAG Coordinator Tenzin Lhatso and Delhi V-TAG member Tenzin Dhamdhul, visited the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) in New Delhi, and addressed concerns regarding the use of the term “Xizang” in official NCS communications instead of “Tibet.” Delhi V-TAG member Tenzin Dhamdhul, who is also a Senior Researcher at the Foundation for Non-Violent Alternative (FNVA), in his research revealed 48 instances of “Xizang” in NCS documents at the time, raising geopolitical and cultural concerns to address the use of the term “Xizang” in official communications. V-TAG highlighted that “Xizang,” a term promoted by China, limits Tibet’s identity to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and carries geopolitical implications by challenging India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. The delegation urged the adoption of “Tibet” to reflect the region’s true cultural and historical identity. The NCS Director and team acknowledged VTAG’s concerns and assured them of serious consideration, reaffirming India’s support for Tibet.
-Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, Department of Information and International Relations, CTA