Tibetan Information Office (TIO) is based in Canberra.

Unity among Tibetans core of CTA’s Five-Fifty Vision: CTA President at Toronto

President Dr Lobsang Sangay of the Central Tibetan Administration speaking to the Tibetan community at Toronto, Canada.

Toronto, Canada: The President of the Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay interacted with the Tibetan community based in Toronto during his official visit to Canada on Sunday, 19 November.

Dr Sangay in his address highlighted the importance of unity among Tibetans, the unity that His Holiness has called for since the 1960s, a unity that is unshadowed by regionalism and sectarianism. And to further strengthen that unity among Tibetans in Tibet and in Exile is a part of the vision of the Five-Fifty campaign of the Kashag, he added.

Referring to his recent visits to Scandinavian countries and his past visits to Canada, Dr Sangay expressed that the involvement and initiatives that the Tibetan community takes during official foreign visits reflects their enthusiasm for their country and support for their government. He further emphasised the importance of continuation of this support.

Speaking of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s untiring effort to revive our culture and identity in exile, Dr Sangay urged the Tibetan community in Canada to “integrate but not assimilate.” He added that the Tibetan community irrespective of the citizenship they hold must preserve their identity.

Dr Sangay apprised the audience about the global political climate where China is using its growing economic power and ties to influence the Tibet movement. He also added that the rise of China has also led to increased global discourses on China and a growing interest on the issue of Tibet. Citing his foreign visits, Dr Sangay reiterated that communicating and raising awareness about Tibet on the global stage as one of the prime motives of his visits.

The address also touched upon the Five-Fifty vision of CTA which reflects His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice on how we should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Dr Sangay enunciated that the five-fifty VISION sends a message to the Chinese government that Tibetans are well prepared to carry the torch of the Tibetan movement for fifty years, if need be. He also briefed the audience on various undertakings of the departments at CTA.

Dr Sangay urged Tibetans not to forget the courage and resilience of the Tibetans inside Tibet, not to forget the sacrifice made by the 149 Tibetans who self-immolated for the cause of Tibet inside Tibet.

He said: “ if we all work together, the dreams and the aspirations of the Tibetan people in Tibet and in exile will be fulfilled.”

Tibetan community of Toronto at President Lobsang Sangay’s address on 19 November 2017.

President Dr Sangay offering a ceremonial Tibetan scarf to a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Toronto, Canada.

Traditional welcome for President Dr Lobsang Sangay at Toronto, Canada.

Tibetan community at the President Dr Lobsang Sangay’s public talk in Toronto, Canada.

Tibetan community of Toronto welcoming President Dr Lobsang Sangay with ceremonial Tibetan scarves .