DHARAMSHALA: Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 13th Annual General Meeting of Tibetan Chamber of Commerce, President Dr Lobsang Sangay today underlined the moral responsibility of Tibetan business community towards social welfare, and most importantly towards the Tibetan cause.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Kalon Karma Yeshi, Department of Finance, Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Department of Home, CTA.
Stressing the role of businesses in public welfare, President Dr Sangay narrated the instrumental contribution of Indian industrialist Ghanshyamdas Birla in the Indian freedom movement. “The Indian independence movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi who was undoubtedly a great political strategist, but what we also need to know is that the finances of Gandhi’s popular movement were supported by Indian industrialist, Ghanshyamdas Birla.
“It was an industrialist, who out of sheer love and dedication for one’s country, decided to spend his hard-earned fortune for the cause,” he said. “I encourage our business community to emulate these examples of service to the country. One can start by supporting education for school children or amenities for Old age homes and medical instruments for Tibetan hospitals”.
He urged the Chamber to honour, in future, Tibetan entrepreneurs and businesses who support social welfare initiatives.
Kalon Karma Yeshi, Department of Finance, CTA addressing the inaugural ceremony of 13th Annual General Meeting of Tibetan Chamber of Commerce. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
President Dr Sangay also spoke about the Green book Voluntary contribution and asked the members to make earnest contribution irrespective of amount.
Guest of Honour, Kalon Karma Yeshi, Department of Finance stressed, in his remarks, that the aims and objectives with which the chamber was established should be upheld. He encouraged the Chamber to embrace a renewed impetus in promoting the scale and height of Tibetan businesses.
He further welcomed opportunities for the Chamber and Finance department to engage in socio-economic welfare projects.
Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Department of Home also addressed as the special guest. He exhorted the Chamber members to pull up their sleeves and steer efforts towards socially innovative businesses that cater to the needs of Tibetan community.
During the event, President Dr Sangay inaugurated the TCC Business Directory 2018 and presented lifetime achievement award to Wahor Tenzin.
Kalon Sonam Togpyal Khorlatsang, Department of Home, CTA addressing the inaugural ceremony of 13th Annual General Meeting of Tibetan Chamber of Commerce. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
The former board members of the Tibetan Chamber were also honoured at the event.
TCC President, Thinley Norbu delivered the welcome address which was followed by a presentation of the financial report by TCC Treasurer.
The Tibetan Chamber of Commerce was voluntarily established during the first Tibetan business conference, organised by the Department of Finance, Central Tibetan Administration in June 2005.
The chamber was formed with the aim of undertaking promotional activities to enhance the business interests of its members and support entrepreneurship in the Tibetan community. It currently has over 233 members from diverse groups of business including carpet manufacturers and hoteliers to tours and travel agents.
President Dr Sangay releases the TCC Business Directory 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
President Dr Lobsang Sangay, Central Tibetan Administration addressing the inaugural ceremony of 13th Annual General Meeting of Tibetan Chamber of Commerce. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
Presiden Dr Lobsang Sangay presenting the lifetime achievement award to Wahor Tenzin. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
TCC President presenting a memento President Dr Lobsang Sangay. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR