Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 29: Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan NGO advocating for complete independence for Tibet, commenced its 19th General Body Meeting at Lower TCV School in Dharamshala on Monday. The meeting, which runs until October 5, will elect its new central executive members, and deliberate and lay down plans for the organisation’s campaigns and projects for the coming years.
The six-day meeting held once every three years has brought together 200 representatives from 45 regional chapters, in the presence of Chief Guest His Eminence 13th Kundelling Rinpoche Tatsak Rinpoche and special guests including the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, members of Parliament, Central Tibetan Administration’s Security Minister Gyari Dolma, Public Service Commission Chairman Karma Yeshi, and Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi.
In his address, Kundelling Rinpoche emphasised the importance of continuing the Tibetan freedom struggle with unity, courage, and a deep respect for past sacrifices. He lauded the Tibetan Youth Congress as one of the most significant non-governmental organisations in exile, commending its achievements in advancing Tibet’s just cause, preserving culture, expanding membership, and contributing to social service. Rinpoche reminded the gathering that the Tibetan struggle must carry forward into the 21st century, adapting to changing times and seizing opportunities available to the younger generation. He stressed that internal harmony and unity among Tibetans in exile are vital to strengthening the movement, while urging all to remember the hardships endured by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elder generation. Placing particular responsibility on the youth, Rinpoche said the hopes of Tibetans inside Tibet rest with those in exile, calling on them to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of ongoing challenges.
Special guest and Speaker of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, in his address, said the Tibetan people have a proud history that should inspire confidence, noting that Tibetans must take special pride in their language, culture, and territory. He cautioned that since the occupation of Tibet, China has pursued policies aimed at erasing Tibetan national identity and assimilating it into a Chinese one. He stressed the importance of exposing and denouncing these policies not only within Tibetan society but also to Chinese and international audiences. Drawing on global examples, he urged Tibetans to study the history of struggles in India and elsewhere as a source of guidance and inspiration. He emphasized that failing to carry the struggle forward would be a disservice to future generations and therefore, called for intensifying the movement for Tibet.
Addressing the gathering, the Central Tibetan Administration’s Security Minister, Gyari Dolma, highlighted that although Tibetans live in exile as refugees, the kindness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given them hope and strength. She pointed out that the continued efforts of the Tibetan people and organizations in exile should inspire confidence in the movement. Stressing the importance of individual responsibility, she reminded Tibetans that the struggle must be carried forward collectively, free of sectarian or religious divisions.
Gonpo Dhondup, the outgoing TYC President, speaking to Phayul said the GBM is the apex decision-making body of the organization. “In total, we have 11 agenda items—including eight main agendas and three sub-agendas—that will be deliberated upon during this meeting. These were circulated to all regional chapters two months in advance as per TYC rules,” he noted.
Expressing optimism about the outcome, he added, “This time we have a strong number of participants from over 45 regional chapters, and we expect constructive input and suggestions. It is the duty of the Central Executive Committee to implement the resolutions adopted here, and we are hopeful this session will lead to positive results.”
Reflecting on the organization’s activism, Gonpo told Phayul, “For the past 55 years, TYC has been the oldest and largest non-governmental organization in exile working for the complete independence of Tibet. With the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the support of the Central Tibetan Administration, solidarity of Tibetans in exile, and the unwavering hope of Tibetans inside Tibet, TYC has remained strong and will continue its struggle.”
As the outgoing President, he thanked the regional chapters for entrusting him and his team with leadership for the past six years. “There are many opportunities and areas of work to be explored. I am optimistic that the new leadership will carry forward our activities and implement the resolutions adopted during this meeting,” he said.
Speaking on his personal journey as an exile activist, he emphasized the collective responsibility of the younger generation. “As Tibetans, we are born into activism. I feel blessed to have served in one of the most active organizations in exile. We consider ourselves the voices of Tibetans still suffering inside. TYC will continue to resist until our rightful independence is restored.”
