Sydney: The Tibet Information Office (TIO) hosted a seminar on 7 March to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day and to honour the late Kasur Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The seminar, facilitated by the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation, was held at their church and attended by 30 representatives from various organisations, including the Sydney Tibetan-Chinese Friendship Association, Australia Tibet Council, Australia and New Zealand Alliance of Victims of the Chinese Communist Regime, Chinese Alliance for Democracy, Taiwan Association in Australasia, and the Sydney Tibetan Community.
At the outset of the seminar, Dawa Sangmo, Chinese Liaison Officer of TIO, welcomed the guests and emphasised the importance of this solemn occasion.
Shartsong Tenzin Dhetan, former head of the Chinese Research Desk at the Tibet Policy Institute, CTA, provided an overview of the Tibetan struggle and delivered a presentation honouring the late Gyalo Thondup, highlighting his lifelong dedication to the cause of Tibetan freedom.
Professor Chongyi Feng, Chairman of the Australia and New Zealand Alliance of Victims of Chinese Communist Regime, offered a heartfelt apology as Chinese and paid tribute to the bravery of Tibetan martyrs who have resisted illegal Chinese rule.
Dr. Zoe Bedford, Executive Director of the Australia-Tibet Council, followed with a powerful address, discussing the growing global conflicts and the increasing influence of Chinese Communism in the free world. She urged the international community to take a stronger stance in counteracting this influence to protect human rights.
Other notable speakers included Alin, Secretary of the newly established Taiwan Association in Australasia, and Thinley Gyatso, Secretary of the Sydney Tibetan Community.
The seminar concluded with a candlelight vigil held in remembrance, honouring the late Kasur Gyalo Thondup and all Tibetan martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for Tibet’s freedom under the PRC’s occupation.
-Report filed Office of Tibet, Canberra