Shillong – “The Scotland of East” was all frenzied as the 900 odd local Tibetans and Youth delegates from over 40 regional chapters, geared themselves for the reception of the Former Minister of Tibetan Govt.-in-Exile, Reverend Kirti Rinpoche on the eve of 34th Working Committee Meeting of Tibetan Youth Congress.
Later on his arrival here, prior to Inauguration of the Meeting scheduled on 27th August, Rinpoche addressed a public gathering comprising of several hundred Tibetans including nearly 100 delegates from all over India, Bhutan and Nepal.
In his address, Rinpoche recounted the sufferings endured by the Tibetans as the result of Chinese aggression on Tibet and its adverse repercussion endangering the very survival of Tibetan culture, religion, race and the Nation. He further stressed on the deteriorating situation for the Tibetans and a need for a major impetus in bolstering Tibetan freedom struggle. The address concluded with the offering of blessings by the Rinpoche for the local Tibetans.
Thereafter, Rinpoche paid a visit to over 180 Tibetan shops in the city and offered consecration prayer. Following this was a visit to the Sambhota Tibetan School where besides offering prayers, Rinpoche gave a talk to the staff and the students of the School. The itinerary also included a visit to Tibetan Welfare Office, local Gonpa and Tibetan Medical and Astro Clinic.
The formal commencement of the 34th Working Committee Meeting of Tibetan Youth Congress kick-started with an inaugural ceremony chaired by Reverend Kasur Kirti Rinpoche at the Conference Hall of Embassy Hotel, Shillong. Besides Rimpoche, the Guests attending the ceremony were Tibetan Welfare Officer, heads of various organization including TFM, TWA and others. The local Tibetan populations also throng the venue in great numbers and the school students sang the Tibetan National Anthem and Tibetan Youth Congress organizational song on the occasion. The speech of the chief Guest was preceded by the TYC President, Mr.Godrukpa kalsang Phuntsok address to the gathering, who briefed the audience of the Annual Report of the Organization, aims and objectives and the future campaigns to be undertaken.
In his address, the Chief Guest Reverend Kirti Rinpoche, lauded TYC as a pioneer NGO shouldering huge responsibility for the Tibetan cause. He also clarified that the TYC’s ideology of Rangzen (Complete Independence) signifies prevalence of genuine Democracy in exile Tibetan community and symbolizes sacred contribution by the youths. The speech further focused on various issues viz, upgrading the composition and functioning of the Tibetan Exile Parliament, benefits of a multi-party system, need for TYC’s participation in the parliament, promoting monk’s interest and involvement in the Tibetan cause and launching ceaseless political campaigns in this crucial phase of our movement.
The afternoon session of the inaugural day was engrossed with the assessment and review of the Annual Report of the Central Executive Committee. The 34th Working Committee Meeting of Tibetan Youth Congress will conclude on 31st August 2003.
