His Holiness the Dalai Lama Congratulates the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission

By  —  BT EWSDESK

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written individually to Ms. Roberta Metsola and Ms. Ursula von der Leyen to congratulate them on being respectively re-elected President of the European Parliament and President of the European Commission.

He expressed to them both his great admiration for the spirit of the European Union that has preserved peace among its members and in the region for more than six decades. In the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation that followed World War II, the European Union has seen the common good as more important than the local interests of individual countries. This demonstrates, he wrote, a sense of wisdom and maturity in a world that has become increasingly interdependent and challenging.

He wished them both every success in ensuring that the European Union remains a strong model for others to follow.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering during the meeting with honourable Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri B.D. Mishra.

By  —  BT NEWSDESK

Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration concluded his visit to Ladakh with significant engagements aimed at fostering relations and addressing community concerns. The visit culminated in a heartfelt address to the Tibetan residents at Sonamling community hall, where he emphasised the importance of recent legislative developments and outlined strategic goals for the Tibetan diaspora.

In the morning, Sikyong met with the honourable Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri B.D. Mishra, for a closed-door discussion on community welfare and bilateral cooperation. This meeting was preceded by consultations with Ladakh’s Additional Director General of Police, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamal (IPS), and other key officials, reflecting Sikyong’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration.

During the afternoon session at Sonamling community hall, Sikyong delivered a keynote address highlighting recent legislative achievements, including the enactment of the Resolve Tibet Act by the United States. He expressed gratitude to the US government and Tibetan support groups for their role in this legislative milestone.

In his talk, Sikyong underscored the geopolitical significance of Tibet and its role in regional harmony, emphasising the need for international awareness of Tibet’s historical and current challenges. He addressed issues of human rights violations and cultural suppression within Tibet, calling for global support in safeguarding Tibetan identity and autonomy.

Sikyong credited His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the vibrant and unparalleled exile-Tibetan community and declared his Kashag’s firm commitment to following His Holiness’ noble guidance and farsighted visions. Furthermore, Sikyong added that Tibet’s Buddhist tradition has enormous potential to promote global peace.

Given the absence of political space for Tibetans inside Tibet, Sikyong talked about the violation of human rights inside Tibet that has resulted in an unprecedented number of self-immolations. The systematic eradication of Tibet’s unique identity through forced enrolment of younger Tibetans into state-run colonial-style boarding schools and the CCP’s misappropriation and intervention in the Tibetan Buddhist system were also discussed in his talk. In light of that, Sikyong shared his concerns over the recent closure of an acclaimed Tibetan private school in Golog under groundless accusation.

Hence, to inform the gathering on 16th Kashag’s political and administrative endeavours, Sikyong said his administration has strategised to counter China’s false narratives on Tibet and its past independent status. He said the current Kashag considers informing the larger international communities of factual information about Tibet’s past status and current situations. Hence, Sikyong recommended the scholarly works of Professor Michael Van Walt van Praag and Chinese Professor Lao to familiarise themselves with Tibet’s truth.

He added that it is important for Tibetans to know more about their history and political status in order to advocate for Tibet. To strengthen and advance Tibet’s freedom struggle, Sikyong discouraged Tibetans from falling into petty factional infighting over disparity in political views and, instead, urged both Umawa (middle way) and Rangzenpa (independent) advocates to work together to pave a common path. Sikyong also lauded every individual involved in the successful approval of the “Resolve Tibet Act”, the provisions of which have a future for both sides of advocates. “Our Kashag has prioritised working in alliance with the interest of collaborating nations to benefit both parties.”

Regarding Kashag’s administrative policies, Sikyong outlined plans for enhancing the efficiency of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, emphasising digital transformation and data-driven governance to better serve the Tibetan exile community worldwide. About the welfare of exile Tibetans, Sikyong said, “We are committed to meeting the needs of every exile populace but are not in a capacity to satisfy the wants of someone.

The event concluded with the laying of the foundation for a sports ground at the TCV school, symbolising ongoing collaborative efforts between the Ladakh government and the Tibetan community. It was also attended by CEC Tashi Gyaltson and other dignitaries from the Ladakh government who’s administration is supporting the construction of the playground.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering during meeting with Additional Director General of Police, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamal (IPS).

President Joe Biden Signs Resolve Tibet Act, Strengthens America’s Tibet Policy on 12 July 2024

By  —  B T NEWSDESK

US President Joe Biden signed into law ‘‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’’ that bolsters America’s Tibet policy through further amendments of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 and aims to facilitate the resolution of the longstanding conflict between Tibet and China.

Known as the Resolve Tibet Act, in short, the act seeks to foster substantive dialogue without preconditions between the PRC government and the Dalai Lama, his representatives, or democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community or explore activities to improve prospects for dialogue that leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet. Additionally, it endeavours to collaborate with other nations to achieve a negotiated settlement concerning Tibet.

The act asserts that officials of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party are historically inaccurate in claiming that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times. The act further specifies that the United States’ public diplomacy initiatives should actively combat disinformation propagated by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party concerning Tibet, including falsehoods about the historical background of Tibet, its people, and its institutions, including those associated with the Dalai Lama.

This pivotal act restrengthening America’s policy on Tibet follows other significant acts, such as the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 and the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018. Earlier in March, on the occasion of the 65th Tibetan Uprising Day, a resolution was introduced in the Congress in a show of bipartisan solidarity reaffirming support for the Tibetan people amidst ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese government in Tibet.

The sponsors of the bills in the house were Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and the cosponsors in house include  Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) , Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Rep. Troy Carter, (D-LA), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD-8), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Rep. Zachary Nunn (R-IA), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. John Larson, (D-CT), Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ), Rep. Donald  Payne Jr. (D-NJ-10), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY).

Sen. Merkley, Jeff (D-OR), Sen. Young, Todd (R-IN) sponsored the Resolve Tibet Bill in Senate and the co-sponsors include Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE), Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Jim Risch, (R-ID), Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).

In his official statement, President Joe Biden declared, “Today I have signed into law S. 318, the “Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act” (the “Act”). I share the Congress’s bipartisan commitment to advancing the human rights of Tibetans and supporting efforts to preserve their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage. My administration will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to resume direct dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama, or his representatives, to seek a settlement that resolves differences and leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet.”

Quotes from Congress members on the bill: 

Representative Jim McGovern: The United States has never accepted that Tibet was part of China since ancient times, as the CCP falsely claims. This legislation clarifies US policy and highlights the unique language, religion, and culture of the Tibetan people. It directs US diplomacy to push back against CCP propaganda. In addition, it ensures Tibetans have a say in their own future. This bill stresses the need for dialogue between the CCP and other democratically elected leaders of Tibet. Any resolution must include the wishes and voice of the Tibetan people… Passing this bill demonstrates America’s resolve that the CCP’s status quo in Tibet is not acceptable and I can think of no greater message or gift to the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet than the swift passage of  this bill to get to the president’s desk as soon as possible to help put the people of Tibet in charge of their own future.”

Representative Michael McCaul: “Our bipartisan bill will refresh U.S. policy towards Tibet and push for negotiations that advance freedom for the Tibetan people and a peaceful resolution to the CCP’s conflict with the Dalai Lama,” said Young. “Congressional passage of this legislation further demonstrates America’s resolve that the CCP’s status quo – both in Tibet and elsewhere – is not acceptable. I look forward to this important effort becoming law and working with my colleagues in the Senate and with the Administration to ensure swift and effective implementation.”

“Let the overwhelming passage of our strong, bipartisan bill be a clear message to the Tibetan people: America stands with you on the side of human dignity, and we support you in your quest to secure the basic rights to which you are entitled under international law,” said McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. “The People’s Republic of China has systematically denied Tibetans the right to self-determination and continues to deliberately erase Tibetan religion, culture, and language. The ongoing oppression of the Tibetan people is a grave tragedy, and our bill provides further tools that empower both America and the international community to stand up for justice and peace.”

“Tibetans, like all people, have the right to religious freedom – which includes freedom from CCP surveillance, censorship, and detention,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul. “If the CCP truly does respect ‘sovereignty’ as it claims to do then it will engage in peaceful dialogue with the Tibetans to resolve this conflict, not force the Tibetans to accept a CCP proposal. Passing this bipartisan bill demonstrates America’s resolve that the CCP’s status quo in Tibet is not acceptable.”

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said: “A vote for this bill is a vote to recognize the rights of the Tibetan people. And it is a vote to insist on resolving the dispute between Tibet and the People’s Republic of China peacefully, in accordance with international law, through dialogue, without preconditions. There is still an opportunity to do this. But time is running out.”

Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., said: “This bill ensures that Tibetans have a say in their own future. It stresses the need for a direct dialogue between the CCP and the democratically elected leaders of Tibet, and that any resolution must be peaceful and include the voice of the Tibetan people. Tibetans are democracy-loving people who wish to freely practice their religion and have their distinct identity acknowledged and respected. I’m proud to play a small part in supporting this dream for the Tibetan people.”

Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., said: “Since 2010 Beijing has also refused to meet its international obligations to engage the Dalai Lama and his representatives to resolve the Tibet issue through dialogue. At the same time Beijing has unleashed a disinformation campaign to mislead the world about Tibet and its history. For this reason, we must pass H.R.533, which calls the PRC out for its repression and its unwillingness to engage the Tibetan people.”

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said: “Amid these threats to Tibetans in Tibet, the Chinese Communist Party also seeks to extend its repressive reach abroad, targeting for surveillance and harassment Tibetan diaspora communities in the United States, in India and in Nepal. The Chinese Communist Party has long engaged in crimes against humanity in Tibet and against Tibetans, plain and simple.”

Honourable Chief Guest, CM of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, during a celebration marking his 89th birthday at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 6 July 2024.

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

On 6 July 2024, the occasion of the 89th birthday anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetans led by the Central Tibetan Administration gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard to commemorate the biggest celebration of the Tibetan community.

The presence of the Chief Guest, the Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, and other distinguished guests graced the event. These included the Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Sri Tapir Gao, a member of Lok Sabha Representing the Arunachal East constituency and accompanied by several other dignitary officials and ministers of Sikkim. Additionally, the event was attended by Bhutila Karpoche, Honourable Deputy Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Canada and Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, a municipality in the district of Meilen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.

Following Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Sonam Tenphel’s delivery of the statements of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament, respectively, distinguished guests extended their best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 89th birthday, first by Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, in his remarks, he conveyed greetings and gratitude on behalf of the community. He further highlights the profound impact of His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause and global humanitarian efforts, while also recognising the collaborative efforts of the Central Tibetan Administration in achieving these goals.

The Chief guest initiated his speech by conveying his sincere appreciation for the invitation extended by the Central Tibetan Administration and recognised the worldwide observance of His Holiness’s birthday on 6 July. He commended Dharamshala, especially McLeod Ganj, as a symbol of compassion and wisdom fostered under His Holiness’s guidance. In acknowledging His Holiness’s challenging upbringing and subsequent global influence, he underscored the universal teachings of Buddhism, peace, and compassion espoused by His Holiness. The esteemed guest warmly regarded His Holiness’s well-being and longevity, noting Sikkim’s pride in hosting His Holiness and reaping the benefits of his visits. The chief minister emphasised the transformative influence of His Holiness’s teachings in promoting harmony and sustainability, pledging unwavering support and disseminating His Holiness’s principles for a peaceful world.

Furthermore, the special guest Bhutila Karpoche, in her address, reflected upon the tireless hard work of His Holiness for Tibetans and expressed gratitude, especially praising His Holiness’ visionary leadership since his exile from Tibet at 24. She emphasised His Holiness’s global stature as a revered spiritual leader. She highlighted recent commendations, including His Holiness’ designation as the preeminent Buddhist leader by the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace and his honorary Canadian citizenship. She called upon individuals to uphold His Holiness’s principles of peace, harmony, and unity as a tribute while conveying heartfelt wishes for his enduring health and longevity and ended with her address.

In his address, Sri Tapir Gao expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the life and teachings of His Holiness. He highlighted the global impact of His Holiness’s peace, compassion, and understanding principles. Reflecting on His Holiness’s remarkable journey, Sri Tapir Gao emphasised the historic significance of His Holiness’s arrival in India, symbolising a deep bond of friendship and solidarity between India and Tibet.

The event saw lively cultural performances from Tibetan schools, regional Tibetan associations in Dharamshala and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts(TIPA). It also saw the honouring of the Chief guests and the guests with a memento by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Kashag.

Six civil servants were felicitated by the Tibetan Public Service Commission on their completion of 25 years of service. Similarly, two civil servants were awarded with excellence awards for their distinctive service.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivering the Kashag’s statement on the occasion of His Holiness’ 89th birthday.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting a Thangka to Chief guest CM of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting a Thangka to Sri Migmar Norbu Sherpa, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting Thangka to Sri Tapir Gao, a member of Lok Sabha Representing the Arunachal East constituency.

The celebration marking his 89th birthday at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 6 July 2024.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in the United States, More than 10,000 People Gathered to Receive His Holiness

By  —  BT NEWSDESK

Washington DC: On 23 June 2024, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama safely arrived at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, following a brief stopover in Zurich, Switzerland. Upon arrival at the airport, His Holiness received a warm welcome reception from Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup and Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso from the Office of Tibet-Washington, DC.

Dr Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General; Avdhesh Kumar, Vice Consul (Estt. & Protocol); and Abhimanyu Gehlaut from the Consulate General of India in New York, along with former Kalons (Ministers) of the Central Tibetan Administration, Sera Jey Abbot Tashi Tsedar, Akya Rinpoche, and around four thousand New York and New Jersey-based reverent lamas and followers of His Holiness gathered at the airport to receive His Holiness and seek His blessings.

From the Airport, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a motorcade arranged by the U.S government drove towards the Park Hyatt Hotel, where a large number of devotees, followers, and Tibetans lined the road to greet and welcome His Holiness with goodwill messages on placards, auspicious offerings, and white scarves (khatag) and incenses in their hands.

His Holiness was then received by Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorjichang Rinpoche at the entrance of Park Hyatt, along with Gyalyum Kusho; Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, Consul (HOC & CPIO); Rato Khen Rinpoche; Geshe Thupten Lhundup; Ven. Tenzin Chosang, the head of Namgyal Monastery; and sister of Gyalwa Karmapa Ngodup Palzom. The reception was also attended by Tibetan Parliamentarians Tenzing Jigme, Thondup Tsering, Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam, the Office of Tibet’s Tibetan Liaison Officer Kunga Tashi, and Norbu Tsering, President of the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey.

In total, more than ten thousand people and a large number of media personnel from various news outlets attended the reception, making it a large and widely covered event.

However, according to His Holiness’ personal physician and the secretary of Gaden Phodrang, there will be no public engagements except for medical treatment.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC