Build the Tibet Narrative to Reinforce Its Global Relevance: CTA President tells Young Tibetan Research Scholars

Dharamshala: President of Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay today inaugurated the 3rd Young Tibetan Research Scholar’s Conference organised by Tibet Policy Institute, think tank of the Central Tibetan Administration. The three-day conference themed ‘Tibet and Tibetans: Prospects and Challenges’ is being held at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sahra near Dharamshala.

The special guests at the inaugural session was Brigadier Vinod Anand, Senior Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation and Geshe Kelsang Damdul, Director of Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Sarah.

Speaking at the occasion, President Dr Lobsang Sangay said the current lot of Tibetan research scholars will have to take on the challenge of shaping Tibetan narrative and to tap into opportunities that reinforces Tibetan relevance in the global scenario.

“At the crux of the current political trends and issues, especially the ones that’s taking place in India, lies an opportunity for the Tibetan issue to reinstate its relevance and become an integral part of the discussions”

“We have a vast array of young researchers, now is the right time to produce relevant researches that can be used to inform public narrative and shape intelligent arguments for Tibet,” The President urged the young scholars.

He lamented that the current global trend is witnessing ultra-nationalism and extremism on the rise and internationalism and liberalism, compassionate diplomacy on the decline. “However, the Tibetan movement and the people must keep itself above it. Compassion, kindness and values have been Tibetan patents since ancient times. We cannot afford to lose the hallmarks of our identity.

Objectivity and critical thinking are the most cherished ideals in research community, the President reminded the young scholars and doctorals, and encouraged them to take greater responsibility in shaping correct views in the Tibetan community.

In his inaugural address, Brig Vinod Anand spoke about Tibet from a geopolitical perspective and elucidated the importance of Tibet from security point of view for India as well as for China.

“China is in throes of internal change. It cannot be said that China’s Communist Party would rule in China in perpetuity, deceleration of economy, disparity and inequality in economic growth has given rise to internal turbulence in China..it is necessary for Tibetans in India and in diaspora and especially the young scholars who are studying about Tibet and Tibetology to continue to identity with this cause,” he said.

On the conference, he said the themes were well chosen and are “in line with what young and budding scholars need to research to keep the flame of their identity and cause burning so there is a need to continue to promote the Tibet narrative.”

Director Thubten Samphel, Tibet Policy Institute noted that the Tibetan intelligentsia, including research scholars have an indispensable obligation to identify the prospect and challenges of Tibet issue. Through this conference, the TPI has taken the responsibility of creating a permanent avenue for young research scholars to share ideas and research findings and to build network

“The conference brings together promising scholars to present their work and receive feedback from prominent scholars. We especially hope that the conference presents an opportunity for the scholars to build new synergies and connect to a wider body of contemporary researchers on themes critical for Tibet.”

Over 39 young Tibetan research scholars from across India are taking part in the three-day conference, organised by the Tibet Policy Institute from 16-18 August. The scholars, most of whom are pursuing their doctoral studies from major universities in India, will share their research findings on issues related to the broad theme, ‘Tibet and Tibetans: Prospects and Challenges‘.