As part of its two-week South India Outreach Programme, the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), Dharamshala, successfully conducted a series of academic seminars and policy dialogues across Bangalore, Chennai and Kochi from 20–23 January 2026. The outreach programme aimed to strengthen academic partnerships, enhance awareness about Tibet’s environmental and geostrategic importance, and foster informed discussions among faculty members, researchers, and students in leading institutions across South India.
The TPI delegation was led by Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, Deputy Director of TPI, and included Dr. Tsewang Dorji Jeshong, Research Fellow, and Ms. Kalsang Dolma, Researcher. Across multiple institutions, the team addressed themes related to Tibet’s ecological significance, geostrategic relevance, and the broader implications of China’s policies in Tibet.
TPI at Madras Christian College, Chennai
On 20 January 2026, a one-day seminar titled “Tibet: Ecology, Governance and Geostrategy” was held at Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai.
The seminar was co-organised by the Department of Political Science, MCC; the Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S); and the Tibet Policy Institute. Approximately 150 faculty members and students participated in the event.
The programme featured distinguished speakers including: Prof. R. Sridhar, Vice Principal & Head, Department of Political Science, MCC. Commodore R. S. Vasan, Director General, C3S, Dr. Ramu Manivannan, Col. R. Hariharan, Dr. Rajiv Bonifer, Dr. R. Vidya.
The TPI panelists Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha highlighted the global ecological importance of the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the “Water Tower of Asia,” and examined its current environmental challenges. Dr. Tsewang Dorji Jeshong elaborated on Tibet’s geostrategic importance and Indo-Tibet relations. Kalsang Dolma analysed China’s infrastructure expansion and governance mechanisms in Tibet and their broader consequences.
The seminar generated a strong and thoughtful exchange of views. The interactive session that followed reflected keen academic interest in Tibet’s contemporary political situation under Chinese occupation and its global strategic implications.
TPI at MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai
On 21 January 2026, TPI conducted a similar one-day seminar on “Tibet: Ecology, Governance and Geostrategy” at MOP Vaishnav College, Chennai.
The event was organised by the Department of Public Policy in collaboration with C3S and TPI. Around 150 faculty members and students from the Departments of Public Policy, Journalism, and Sociology attended the seminar. The Vice Principal and Heads of the three departments were also present.
The TPI speakers addressed: The ecological importance of the Tibetan Plateau and its environmental vulnerabilities, Tibet’s strategic relevance in the Asian geopolitical landscape, China’s infrastructure control and its socio-political implications in Tibet.
The seminar fostered renewed academic interest among students and faculty, helping deepen understanding of Tibet’s environmental and political relevance to India and the wider region.
TPI at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi
On 22 January 2026, TPI delivered a talk on “Tibet: Ecology, Governance and Geostrategy” at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi.
The programme was organised by the Department of Social Work and the Student Union in collaboration with the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) and TPI. Around 100 students participated in the session.
The TPI delegation presented comprehensive insights into: Tibet’s global ecological significance, Its current environmental and political situation, Geostrategic dynamics and Indo-Tibet relations, The implications of China’s infrastructure policies.
Participants expressed strong appreciation, noting that it was the first Tibet-focused academic event held at the college. The discussion created new awareness and highlighted the need for greater understanding of Tibet’s situation.
TPI at Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi
On 23 January 2026, TPI addressed researchers at the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), one of Kerala’s leading policy think tanks.
The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Dhanuraj, Founding Chairman of CPPR. Around 40 researchers from CPPR and Rajamohan College participated in the discussion.
The talk, the first Tibet-related event at the institute, provided in-depth analysis of: The Tibetan Plateau’s ecological importance, Strategic implications for South Asia, Governance and infrastructure expansion under Chinese policies.
The interaction reflected immense interest among policy researchers, particularly regarding Tibet’s environmental vulnerability and its strategic relevance for India and neighbouring countries.
TPI at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kochi
On 23 January 2026, TPI also participated in an International Dialogue on Environmental Sustainability, Strategic Relations and Human Dimensions in Indo-Tibet Relations at JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University, Kochi.
Organised by the Department of Economics in collaboration with TPI and CPPR, the event brought together around 100 students and faculty members.
The programme was graced by Dr. Tom M. Joseph, Director, New Initiatives Jain University, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Director of Finance & Strategy
The TPI delegation presented expert analyses on: Tibet’s environmental importance and sustainability challenges, Strategic and geopolitical dimensions of Indo-Tibet relations, The human and governance implications of China’s policies in Tibet.
As the first Tibet-focused event at the university, the dialogue created a significant platform for interdisciplinary engagement and policy-oriented discussion. Participants showed deep interest in understanding Tibet’s environmental and geopolitical importance within the broader Indo-Pacific context.
TPI team also visited and engaged with Department of Humanities and Social Science of IIT Chennai, Central for National Strategy Studies in Bangalore, Friends of Tibet Foundation in Kochi.
Strengthening Academic Partnerships and Policy Dialogue
The South India Outreach Programme successfully engaged over 500 students, faculty members, researchers, and policy experts across six major academic and policy institutions. The initiative significantly strengthened institutional partnerships between TPI and leading colleges, universities, and think tanks in Chennai, Kochi and Bangalore
Through informed dialogue and academic exchange, the programme enhanced awareness of:
- The Tibetan Plateau’s global ecological importance
- Tibet’s strategic relevance to India and Asia
- Contemporary governance and infrastructure developments under Chinese administration
- The broader environmental and geopolitical implications for South Asia
The outreach programme reflects the Tibet Policy Institute’s continued commitment to building informed academic discourse on Tibet across India and internationally, while fostering collaborative partnerships for research and policy engagement.