Tromso, Norway, April 11 – An introductory lecture on the “Tibetan Community in Exile” by Mr. Tsering Tashi of the Office of Tibet, London, and the screening of Micky Lemle’s documentary film, “Compassion in Exile” marked the conclusion yesterday of the International Seminar program that has been addressing various global issues ranging from Iraq to EU each Thursday since February 13.
The International Seminar program, held each session at the popular and centrally-located Mack-kajellern hall of this northern Norwegian town, was organized by the University of Tromso in collaboration with Amnesty International and other NGOs. In December 2001 His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Tromso known for its cultural diversity and considered a center of education, research and culture in the North, to receive an Honorary Doctorate from University of Tromso.
The talk and film on Tibet was followed by a lively discussion where audience consisting of students, professors and the general public asked questions ranging from the current position of the Dharamsala-Beijing dialogue and the fate of the young Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, considered the world’s youngest political prisoner under China’s captivity. Mr. Tashi’s talk and answers to questions from the floor were very consistent and to the point and this supplemented by the film helped in generating more awareness and support for the just cause of Tibet.
The day’s program was introduced by Mr. Torbjorn Wikestad on behalf International Seminar and it concluded with people seeking information on how to join the Tibet Support Group Norway and voluntary positions to serve the Tibetan community in exile.
On 10 April, Mr. Tashi was invited to speak on “The New Generation of Tibetan Peace Activists” at a special meeting organized by Students for Peace, a newly formed organization and who were interested in working closely with the Students for a Free Tibet chapter of Tromso. While in Tromso, Mr. Tashi also met with Sami Students Association who showed keen interest and support for the Tibet cause and discussed Tibetan affairs with a few prominent university professors.
Mr. Tashi’s visit to the northern part of Norway was appreciated by many Tibet activists and helped to further strengthen the Norwegian Tibet Support Group’s work in this region. He had much admiration for the dedication and hard work put by the local Tibet support group lead by Mrs. Marit Myrvoll and Mr.Torbjorn Wikestad.
Report submitted by Norwegian Tibet Committee
Chungdak Koren
