LONDON: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, gave a public address to the local Tibetan community in Britain on 30 October 2016. The public address, held at the University of London Union, was attended by former members of Central Tibetan Administration, Representatives of local Tibetan associations and members of the Tibetan community.
Addressing the large gathering of Tibetans, Sikyong expressed appreciation for the supervisors and teachers of London School of Tibetan Language and Culture for voluntarily contributing their time and efforts in preserving the Tibetan language, culture and traditions, inspite of challenges and constraints.
Sikyong observed that the Tibetan people inside Tibet and in exile have become exceedingly empowered in terms of knowledge, resilience, courage and determination to sustain and strengthen the Tibetan movement.
“The sustenance of Tibetan movement measures the success of our movement. The Kashag’s five-fifty strategy calls for a renewed effort in our struggle to seek genuine autonomy in the next five years while strategising to strengthen and sustain the Tibetan movement over the next fifty years. The five-year strategy seeks meaningful dialogue with China to resolve the Tibetan issue, based on the Middle Way Approach (MWA). However if that does not happen in these five years, CTA will continue to sustain and strengthen the Tibetan movement, as per the fifty-year strategy. In the course of next fifty years, China’s political and civil society will definitely change and we can gain our basic freedom,” Sikyong said, adding that the Middle Way Policy proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama has gained huge respect, support and admiration of world leaders including President Barack Obama.
Sikyong recalled the advice and instructions given by His Holiness during a special audience that was granted to members of the Kashag on 28 October. “During the audience, His Holiness stressed the importance of preserving Tibetan language and promoting the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism among Tibetans, especially the laypeople and children.”
Sikyong further informed the public about the initiatives and accomplishments of the seven major departments of CTA, including updates on preparation of the upcoming 34th Kalachakra, which is being organised by Central Tibetan Administration. “In terms of the preparation for the upcoming 34rd Kalachakra, the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and convenience of the devotees is of utmost importance. CTA will also be sponsoring destitute Tibetan children, families and infirm health Tibetans to attend the teachings at Bodh Gaya this year.”
Sikyong spoke extensively on newly launched initiatives and programs aimed at sustaining the Tibetan settlements in exile, and the heightened roles and responsibilities of the seven major departments under CTA.
Following the talk, Sikyong visited London School of Tibetan Language and Culture and spoke to the young Tibetan children about the importance of learning and preserving one’s language and culture. The school is run by Tibet House Trust, London, UK. There are 45 students and three volunteer teachers. A committee of parents handle the smooth functioning of school.
Tomorrow, Sikyong will speak at University of Westminster on ‘Uniqueness of Tibetan experimentation with democracy in exile, its strengths and challenges’. He will later speak at the Merton College and the Oxford Union.