DUNEDIN: President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay, arrived in the city of Dunedin for the second leg of his New Zealand visit along with Representative Lhakpa Tshoko and Mr Thuten Kesang, Liaison Officer for New Zealand Govt. and Parliamentarian, Tibet Information Office.
Ven Lhagon Tulku along with other resident Geshes, students, and local Tibetan Community paid a warm welcome to Sikyong at the airport.
Upon his arrival, Sikyong visited Dhargey Buddhist Centre based in the city and addressed the local Tibetan Community and New Zealand friends of Tibet. He spoke on the CTA’s Middle Way Approach to resolve the Tibet issue explaining the advantages and benefits of the proposal which ensures the survival of our struggle in exile and enhances the appeal of the Tibetan movement to the world.
Sikyong also gave a brief interview to a local media about his first visit to New Zealand.
In the late evening, Sikyong addressed a gathering of around 100 people including students of the University of Otago and their family members. He spoke on the topic ‘Tibet in 21st Century: Political, Environmental and Cultural Challenges’.
In his address, Sikyong described the prime purpose of his visit as an effort to meet long time friends of Tibet and seek the support of the people of New Zealand for the non-violent Tibetan movement led by Central Tibetan Administration.
Sikyong also talked about the Middle Way Approach of the Tibetan administration to resolve the Tibet issue and why a proper understanding of China is a must to understand Tibet and the Tibetan situation. He explained the tragic situation inside Tibet where 147 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest against the Chinese government’s repressive policies.
Sikyong also emphasised the preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture and the fragile ecology of the Tibetan plateau referred to as the water tower of Asia for its rich resource of fresh water. He further highlighted education of Tibetan children as a priority and affirmed the Kashag’s renewed emphasis to ensure a robust development of Tibetan education.
Sikyong interacting with faculty members of the University.
Sikyong with members of Tibetan community and friends of Tibet at Dunedin, New Zealand.