By Phurbu Thinley

Dharamsala, September 2: Tsewang Rigzin of Portland, USA was elected the new President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan non-governmental organisation in exile, here at the concluding day of the 13th General Body Meeting (GBM).

Mr. Tsewang who is currently serving as the President of Portland/Vancouver chapter of the TYC arrived here to represent the North American chapters of TYC in the 13th GBM, which began on August 28.

Mr Tsewang, who proved one of the strong candidates for TYC CENTREX (Central Executive Committee), the highest office of the organisation, headquartered in Dharamsala, received majority vote both in the preliminary and final presidential election.

Mr Tsewang and his team of ten members will serve the office for a term of three years. Dhondup Dorjee, 12th CENTREX member, is the new Vice president and Dhondup Lhadar of Dharamsala RTYC will now serve as the new Executive Secretary of TYC.

Tsultrim Dorjee, former TYC staff, Tenzin Yangzom of Delhi RTYC, Lhakpa Tsering of Bangalore RTYC, Kunchok Yamphel of Delhi chapter, Tenzin Yangdon of Minnesota (US), Penpa Tsering of Dharwad RTYC and Tenzin Norsang of Chandigarh RTYC are the other newly elected CENTREX members.

“I firmly believe TYC is a forum for our common freedom struggle and not a platform for any personal gains,” Mr Tsewang Rigzin said in his acceptance speech.

Mr Tsewang repeatedly appealed both members and general Tibetan populace, both in and outside Tibet, to render unyielding support to the organisation and stand united for the Tibetan freedom struggle. He said he had every faith to believe that the 13 CENTREX would work in a spirit of mutual cooperation and teamwork. “Teamwork and support of members both Central and regional, and general Tibetans is the key to TYC’s success” he said.

The outgoing President Mr Kelsang Phuntsok and Vice President Lobsang Yeshi wished every success to the new CENTREX members. Mr Kelsang said that TYC is a forward moving organisation with immense potential to contribute to the freedom struggle of Tibetan people.

Mr Karma Yeshi, former TYC Vice President and currently a member of Tibetan Parliament administered the oath of Office and Secrecy to the 13th CENTREX members. Mr Karma wished the new CENTREX a successful term and said he expect the new members would contribute greatly for the cause of Tibet and freedom of Tibetan people as per the vision and goals of TYC.

Mr Karma Yeshi and Lodoe Sangpo, former TYC CENTREX member, conducted the election.

The GBM is the highest decision making body of TYC, and it alone is empowered to elect the CENTREX members and amend TYC’s written Constitution. The body elects not less than 10 members for the central committee.

Organisation Secretary of the outgoing CENTREX, Pema Yangchen earlier told Phayul that 158 executive members from 48 regional chapters, including Nepal, Bhutan, and USA would be attending the 13th GBM.

The 13th CENTREX has a unique representation with two members from US, including the President, and four of the newly elected members who were born in Tibet. The members say this is the first time TYC has seen such a diverse representation in its CENTREX, although no specific significance was mentioned for the same.

The CENTREX members are normally required to work in TYC’s head office based here in Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile and hometown of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama.

Tibetan Youth Congress with the sole objective to restore Tibet’s lost independence claims over 30,000 members with 81 regional chapters worldwide.

Tibet was forcefully occupied by China after Communist Chinese troops marched into Tibet in late 1949.

Tibetan spiritual and political leader, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 amidst a mass Tibetan uprising on 10 March in Lhasa against Communist China's continuing presence in Tibet.