The President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived in San Francisco on 27 August. The members of the Tibetan Association of North California (TANC) along with local Tibetan Communities gave a warm traditional welcome to the President.
President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed the Tibetan community settled in and around San Francisco the next day. In his address, he spoke about the importance and preservation of Tibetan language, culture, and values. He advised parents to send their children to study Tibetan language and culture at the Weekend Tibetan language and culture school encouraging parents to send their children to take part in summer program in Dharamsala, India to gain knowledge and exposure to Tibetan community, language and CTA.
He explained the activities and projects of different departments of the CTA and paid tributes to the efforts and sacrifices of the older generation of Tibetans for laying a strong foundation for the Central Tibetan Administration. He also spoke about the importance of the Tibetan voluntary fund known as the Green book and appealed to the public to contribute without fail to maintain the Tibetan administration.
He also spoke about the five fifty strategy of the 15th Kashag and urged the public stay united against all odds for the success of the Tibetan movement. He declared 2018 as the year of gratitude to all the countries hosting the Tibetan people and said that the CTA has plans of honouring these countries benevolence to the Tibetan people.
Earlier in the day, President Dr Lobsang Sangay met the Mayor and Council members of El Cerrito city Janet Abelson, Gabriel Quinto (Mayor Pro Tem), Paul Fadelli (Council member), Cheryl Morse and Scott Hanin. He also met the Council members of the Richmond City Mr. Richard Mitchell Director of Planning and Bldg. Service, Council member Eduardo Martinez, Ryan Smith and Janet Johnson. Later in the evening he met the Mayor Jesse Arreguin, Council members Kriss Worthington and Cheryl K. Davila of the city of Berkeley, also present was Jain Thapa, representative of US Congresswoman Barabara Lee.
In the meeting, Dr. Sangay extended his sincere gratitude for their support to the Tibetans. He apprised them about the present situation in Tibet particularly the wave of self-immolations; preservation of Tibetan identity, culture and religion; ongoing demolition of Larung Gar and Yarchen Gar.
He further appealed them to continue their support to the Tibetans and Tibetan cause. The Mayors, Council members and City managers assured their best assistance despite Chinese pressure.
During the meeting, Council Member Kriss Worthington was honored by TANC in the presence of Dr. Lobsang Sangay by presenting a traditional thangka and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his untiring support to the Tibetans and Tibetan cause.
Dr Sangay also inaugurated TANC’s weekend language school “Namchod Kyetsel” located at 5200 Huntington Ave, Suite 200, Richmond. At the event, TANC also introduced the newly elected executive members of the Association. President Dr Sangay acknowledged and encouraged outgoing and incoming TANC executive members and other active members of the community for their sincere efforts to work for the community towards preserving Tibetan language and culture.
The President will fly to Denver, Colorado in the morning of 29 August.
President Dr Lobsang Sangay with Mayor and Council members of City of El Cerrito Janet Abelson, Gabriel Quinto (Mayor Pro Tem), Paul Fadelli (Council member), Cheryl Morse and Scott Hanin alongwith TANC members.
Honoring Council member Kriss Worthington, also present Mr. Kalsang Jungney President of TANC
President Dr Sangay With Mr. Richard Mitchell Director of Planning and Bldg. Service, Council member Eduardo Martinez, Ryan Smith, Janet Johnson alongwith TANC members.
President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the Tibetan community in San Francisco.
Group photo of President Dr Lobsang Sangay with TANC members.