Bengaluru: On 18 October 2024, a panel discussion titled “Why Tibet Matters” was organised jointly by the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education (DLIHE) and the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration in the evening and was hosted at the institute’s Aa-Ka-Ma auditorium. The panel was moderated by Acharya Norbu, Lecturer in Tibetan History, DLIHE and had two panellists: Dechen Palmo, environment researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute and Dukthen Kyi, Tibet Advocacy Section head, under DIIR.

During the panel discussion, Dechen Palmo highlighted how the Tibetan plateau serves as a vital source of fresh water for millions of people across Asia. This “Water Tower” is crucial for river systems that support countries like India, China, and Pakistan. She pointed out that the accelerated warming in Tibet could lead to severe water shortages, impacting food security and the livelihoods of countless communities downstream. 

Dukthen Kyi, the second panellist, focused on the political and cultural significance of Tibet. She emphasised the importance of protecting Tibetan identity and cultural heritage in the face of increasing pressures from the Chinese government. Dukthen Kyi elaborated on the role of the Central Tibetan Administration in advocating for the rights and freedoms of Tibetans, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the Tibetan people under Chinese rule. She called for greater international awareness and support for the Tibetan cause, underscoring the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and human rights.  

The panel concluded with a call to action and, as a reminder, encouraging participants to engage in discussions and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about Tibet’s critical issues. The event provided an essential platform for sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue on the complex interplay between environmental, cultural, and political aspects that make Tibet a region of global significance.   

The recent event organised by the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education (DLIHE) brought attention to the critical situation in Tibet, focusing on the persistent human rights violations and the repressive policies faced by Tibetans. Dukthen Kyi’s presentation underscored the ongoing atrocities and the daily struggles experienced by the Tibetan people under such oppressive circumstances.   

Following insightful discussions with the two panellists, a question-and-answer session allowed attendees to engage more deeply with the issues raised. DLIHE’s principal, Tenzin Pasang, concluded the event with compelling remarks that emphasised the responsibility of all present—students and faculty alike—to actively support the Tibetan cause. His call to action highlighted the collective duty to contribute to the broader Tibetan movement, ensuring that the plight of Tibetans is not forgotten. 

With a concluding remark, Principal Tenzin Pasang presented the panellists, along with the team from the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), with khatak (traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarves) and the institute’s T-shirts, symbolising solidarity and support for their efforts.   

The event saw participation, with nearly 200 attendees, including faculty members and students from DLIHE and Men-Tsee-Khang, making it a significant gathering to raise awareness and foster a sense of community among those invested in the Tibetan cause.  

-Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, CTA