New Delhi, February 14: The Central Executive Committee of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) in collaboration with the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress chapters of Samyeling and Rohini in Delhi, organized the 4th Preliminary International Rangzen Conference in the Indian capital.
The two-day conference from February 13-14 held at the Gandhi Peace Foundation in the national capital, coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by the H.H. 13th Dalai Lama, according to a statement issued by TYC.
Around 45 Rangzen activists and advocates, including 10 Indians from different organization took part in the Conference. Participants included Kyabje Shingza Rinpoche, former President of TYC Lhasang Tsering, Tibetan MPs Karma Yeshi, Ven. Monlam Tharchin, and Sertha Tsultrim.
Long time Tibet supporters Dr NK Trikha, National Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, Vijay Kranti, Sethu Das and CA Kallianpur of the Friends of Tibet, India, Mahesh Chadda, National General Secretary of Bharat-Tibbat Sahyog Manch, Pankaj Goyal, the newly elected president of Delhi BTSM, Pushp Aggarwal of South Delhi BTSM, Bhupinder Kansal of Himalaya Parivar and Dr PJ Jyotikar were also present.
Participants at the Conference represented a wide range of Tibetan activists, including college students and new comers from Tibet.
The two principle agendas discussed during the conference were a) To assert the essential purpose and goal of restoring independence of Tibet and develop the conviction and confidence of Rangzen advocates; b) To develop plans and strategies to restore Tibetan Independence.
"The 4th Preliminary Rangzen Conference held here in a house named after the Father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi and on a day when 100 years ago His Holiness the Dalai Lama reasserted Tibet's independence is historically significant," Dhondup Lhadar, vice-president of TYC Central Executive Committee said. "It is the responsibility of each and every Tibetan to preserve the legacy of the Great 13th Dalai Lama and uphold the truth of an independent and sovereign Tibet."
TYC called on Tibetans to unite and fulfill the ultimate aspiration of the Tibetan people of the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to an independent Tibet.
"More than a hundred Tibetans have given the ultimate non-violent sacrifice of setting themselves on fire protesting China's occupation," Lhadar said. "It is our sacred duty to repeat history a 100 years later and realise the return of our most beloved leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama."
Indian delegates spoke strongly in support of Tibet's independence and unanimously agreed that genuine security of India lies only in an independent Tibet.
Representatives of various Indian support groups also came to show their support with a clear message that Tibet supporters across India stand firmly with all those Tibetan individuals and groups who are struggling for the cause of Rangzen that is a free Tibet.
Presenting the same sentiment, Dr NK Trikha, National convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause, the umbrella group of all Tibet support groups in India, said, "I want to make it clear that the cause of a completely free, independent Tibet is very close to the heart of every Tibet supporter in India. The national interest of India are closely related with an independent and free Tibet."
On the sidelines of the Conference, TYC also organized an exhibition of photos and copies of documents providing evidence of an independent Tibet. Passports, currency and stamps of Tibet before China's occupation were on display.
TYC will be compiling the suggestions gathered at the Conference and present it at the International Rangzen Conference schedule to be held on May 23, 2013.
Three earlier Preliminary Rangzen Conferences were held in Europe, North America, and East Asia.
As announced earlier, TYC, beginning from February 13, 2013 will be observing the 'International Year of Rangzen and will continue organized series of activities to observe the year.
