London, UK — While speaking to members of the Tibetan community in the UK, mostly youths, the Tibetan President spoke about young people being inspired to bring about positive change to their studies and through their specific expertise to contribute to the cause of Tibetan freedom from Chinese rule, in their own way.
The President of the Tibetan-government-in-exile, now officially known as Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) met with representatives of major Tibet related charities operating in the UK for a first of its kind meeting, organised by Tibet House Trust as part of its 25th Anniversary activities to ensure better coordination among the different charities.
The President took the opportunity to thank the charities for their contributions towards the education, health and community development of Tibetans, according to the Office of Tibet, London.
Recognising the importance of the Tibetan youth’s pro-active involvement in the Tibetan movement, the Office of Tibet, London in conjunction with the Tibetan Community in Britain organised a youth outreach event where the President was invited to speak.
The Tibet Office based Britain's capital London said that 'the interest of the Tibetan youth was evident from the good turnout of Tibetan youth, who crammed into the meeting room and listened in with full enthusiasm.'
The President urged them not to forget their Tibetan identity when he advised them that they should ‘integrate but never assimilate’. Explaining about the forthcoming Five-Fifty Youth Forum to be held in Dharamshala in the autumn, he urged active participation from the UK. He underlined the importance for the Tibetan students to excel in their studies and through their specific expertise to contribute to the Tibetan cause in their own way.
During a question-and-answer session in London on Wednesday, the audience put forward their queries to the President, mostly centered on the role of youth and how they can better contribute to the issue of Tibet.
On June 20, 2019, the President was interviewed by James Kynge who is Global China editor of the Financial Times. The questions ranged from the reincarnation issue, China’s role in redefining human rights, the Belt and Road Initiative and the growing influence of the United Front.
Immediately after the interview the President met with representatives of UK based Tibet Support Groups, in the backdrop of the successful Google Dragonfly campaign, where he had an hour-long interaction. Over lunch, the President attended a closed-door round table discussion with UK based academics and China experts to explore possibilities for the resumption of dialogue.
The President concluded his official engagement for the day by attending a dinner organised to mark the Silver Jubilee anniversary of Tibet House Trust, where major supporters and donors were present. He thanked them all for their support throughout the years.
Referring to 94% literacy rate of Tibetans in exile & 97% pass percentage in Tibetan schools and the dedication of the all those working in the Central Tibetan Administration, the President explained how the education sponsorship of the donors was being effectively utilised in the Tibetan schools in exile and how the projects were being implemented with minimal wastage.
At the ned day, the President joined climate scientist Prof Chris Rapley CBE to discuss ‘Climate Change and Tibet’ at the University College London, which was chaired by renowned journalist Emily Buchanan. He also spoke at the meetings of the Cross Party Group for Tibet in Scottish Parliament and All Party Group for Tibet in UK Parliament.
