A significant event took place in Minnesota from January 25 to 28, where over sixty Tibetan college students and young professionals gathered for a leadership and capacity building workshop. Minnesota, known for having the second-largest Tibetan community in the US, served as the perfect backdrop for this transformative event.
The workshop, organized by the Office of Tibet in collaboration with the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM), attracted participants from twenty states across the US and Canada, representing more than 40 universities, as reported by Tibet.net.
The workshop aimed to empower Tibetan youths by providing them with the tools and knowledge to become leaders in their fields. The sessions, filled with interactive activities and expert-led presentations, covered a wide range of topics. Namgyal Choedup, a representative, spoke about the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) vision and emphasized education’s role in fostering positive change, echoing the Dalai Lama’s vision for integrating modern and inner education.
Dr. Tenzin Sonam from Emory University led meditation sessions and discussions on secular ethics, emphasizing the development of inner values. Bhuchung Tsering shared insights on embracing the Tibetan-American identity and its importance in raising awareness about Tibet‘s situation. Other speakers, including Dr. Dawa Lokyitsang and Dr. Tsewang Rigzin, shared their personal career journeys, inspiring the attendees to contribute to the Tibetan cause in their unique ways.
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A panel on Sino-Tibetan Dialogue highlighted the significance of people-to-people interactions in fostering understanding, with Tsultrim Gyatso discussing outreach to Chinese students and scholars in American universities. The workshop also featured sessions on mentoring, career guidance, and local advocacy, offering a platform for youth initiatives to share their experiences and challenges.
Among the special guests was Judge Tsering Cornell, the first Tibetan American judge in the United States, who shared her journey and encouraged Tibetan youths to pursue careers in the legal field, highlighting the compatibility of Buddhist values with the profession.
Geshe Lobsang Monlam presented on the intersection of the Tibetan language and artificial intelligence, showcasing the language’s richness and its potential in modern technological fields.
The workshop concluded with a feedback session, where participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect and learn. The success of the event, as reported by Tibet.net, has inspired the organizers to continue investing in youth leadership and capacity building workshops, taking into account the valuable feedback received.
This gathering not only served as a platform for learning and growth but also as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Tibetan community in the diaspora, striving to preserve their rich culture and identity while making significant contributions to their adopted countries.
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