CTA President Meets Former Tibetan Political Prisoners and Families

Dharamsala: CTA President Dr. Lobsang Sangay met with the first batch of former Tibetan political prisoners and their family members who are to leave for Australia soon through a special immigration service extended by the Australian government.

A total of 250 former Tibetan political prisoners including their family members are selected this year and the members were divided into small batches and they were given exclusive workshop and training on Australian culture and customs, duties and responsibilities, etc. to be followed in the host country.

President Sangay met and addressed 29 members of the lot leaving for Australia at the Kashag Secretariat.

Addressing the gathering, President Sangay reminded them of the incredible contribution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in soliciting support from the International community simply for the welfare of Tibetan people.

“Whatever support and benefit enjoyed by the Tibetan people is all because of the blessing and effort of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” noted President Sangay.

President informed the gathering about certain challenges and crisis they might face in the beginning but assured them soon they will learn to integrate with the people, lifestyle, and culture of the new country.

“Integrate into a new culture but do not assimilate in the process” alarmed President Sangay and advised them to be aware of their true identity and roots.

He further urged the parents to engage their children in the weekend classes where they can learn Tibetan language, culture, and Tibetan Buddhism that will further enable them to appreciate, respect and preserve the unique Tibetan culture and Identity.

President Sangay alerted them against the certain external influence that disrupts the harmony and destroys the unity of the Tibetan community and urged them to avoid indulging in internal and regional disputes.

He expressed his best wishes and prayers for the well being of the Tibetan leaving for Australia.