A Tibetan parliamentary delegation continued its advocacy efforts in Gangtok, Sikkim, meeting with key political figures and organizations to discuss the Tibetan cause. The delegation, comprising MPs Youdon Aukatsang, Geshe Monlam Tharchin, and Tashi Dhondup, engaged in a series of meetings from August 27 to 28, 2023.
On the first day, the delegation met with Sikkim’s Education Minister, Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha. The minister expressed his commitment to supporting Tibet and shared his anticipation for a visit from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Sikkim. The delegation also met with members of the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM), discussing various avenues for Tibet advocacy, including online campaigns and newspaper articles. The BTSM revealed that they have been actively campaigning for Tibet and even collecting signatures to confer His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Bharat Ratna.
The delegation also met with Shri D. R. Thapa, MLA and State BJP President; Shri Nakul Das Rai, Former MP Lok Sabha; and Shri PT Gyamtso, Former MP, Rajya Sabha. All assured their continued support for the Tibetan cause and emphasized the cultural and religious ties between Tibet and Sikkim.
On August 28, the delegation met with Shri A. Sudhakar Rao, IPS Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department of Sikkim, who assured assistance to Tibetans residing in Sikkim in line with the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy of 2014. Subsequent meetings with Shri Sangay Lepcha, Deputy Speaker, and Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, resulted in promises to support the establishment of a Tibet support group within the assembly.
The delegation‘s visit also included a seminar at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where they spoke on the historical and cultural connections between India and Tibet, as well as the importance of Sowa Rigpa, a form of Tibetan medicine. The seminar was attended by approximately 45 students.
The delegation’s visit to Sikkim marks another step in the Tibetan Parliament’s ongoing efforts to garner support for the Tibetan cause across India.
(Based on inputs from Tibet.net)
About Post Author
