Latest news with #Sikyong
Canada Standard
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Sikyong Penpa Tsering urges Tibetan unity during North America tour amid ongoing China-Tibet tensions
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India] May 29 (ANI): Sikyong Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), made his second official trip to Vancouver Island, Canada, on May 26. During this visit, he spoke to the local Tibetan community at an event hosted by the Tibetan Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Sikyong recognised that the struggles undertaken by the first generation established a pathway for future advancement, granting younger generations better access to education, healthcare, and opportunities while maintaining their cultural heritage. He emphasised the increasing significance of population digitalisation as an essential tool in governance, particularly for communities in exile or those that are underrepresented. He pointed out how digitising population data facilitates accurate demographic assessments, improves public service delivery, and leads to better-informed decision-making, according to the CTA report. Sikyong Penpa Tsering also emphasised the relevance of the Middle Way Approach, a visionary plan introduced by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, which aims for a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution to the Tibet issue within the framework of the People's Republic of China. His Holiness has long highlighted the long-term and reciprocal benefits of this strategy for not only Tibetans but for Chinese society as well. Instead of pursuing independence, the Middle Way advocates for genuine autonomy for Tibetans, allowing them to protect their language, religion, culture, and environment, as noted by the CTA report. He further stated that a nation embodies a collective political identity; however, it is crucial to acknowledge and safeguard Tibetan identity within this context. This recognition is particularly vital for the three traditional regions of Tibet--U-Tsang, Amdo, and Kham, which together constitute the cultural and historical essence of the Tibetan nation. The Middle Way Approach ensures the rights and dignity of all Tibetans from these regions are maintained while fostering harmony and coexistence with the Chinese populace, the CTA report highlighted. Sikyong Penpa Tsering also discussed promoting Tibetan identity through Buddhism and compassion. He contemplated the global acknowledgement of Tibetans, attributing much of it to Tibetan Buddhism, which has acted as an essential cultural and spiritual link between Tibet and the international community, according to the CTA report. Sikyong ended his remarks by urging the Tibetan community to adhere to these principles to secure a promising future for Tibet and its people. During his trip, Sikyong Penpa Tsering engaged with significant US government representatives in Washington DC, and visited nine locations across North America, including various cities in the US and Canada. He delivered speeches and interacted with Tibetan communities and youth in these regions, as reported by the CTA. As per the CTA report, the North American tour wrapped up on May 27, with his departure from Vancouver Island to Japan. Throughout his official visit and engagements, Sikyong Penpa Tsering met with key US government officials in Washington, DC, and conducted visits to nine locations across North America, involving cities in both the US and Canada. He gave speeches and engaged with Tibetan communities and youth in these areas. The North American tour concluded on May 27, as he left Vancouver Island to begin his subsequent official visit in Japan. (ANI)
Canada Standard
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Sikyong Penpa Tsering visits Calgary, urges Tibetan unity and cultural preservation
Calgary [Canada], May 27 (ANI): Sikyong Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), arrived in Calgary, Canada, on May 24. As part of his ongoing official trip, he received a warm reception from the Tibetan community and representatives of the Tibetan Association of Alberta (TAA), according to a report from the CTA. During his visit, he addressed key political issues concerning Tibet. The TAA President opened the event with welcoming remarks and presented certificates of appreciation to former executive members. This was followed by introductory comments from Dr. Namgyal Choedup, the Representative of the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, who outlined the goals of Sikyong's visit, according to a report by the CTA. Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the current political landscape regarding Tibet, discussed the CTA's ongoing interactions with international stakeholders, and stressed the necessity for unity among the Tibetan diaspora. Highlighting the significance of empowering youth and fostering community involvement, he encouraged Tibetans in Canada to stay dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage and supporting the Tibetan cause. Sikyong remarked that Tibetans have set themselves apart from other refugee communities due to their resilience and collective spirit. He noted that the Tibetan cause has remained prominent on the global stage largely thanks to the steadfast commitment of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the indomitable courage of Tibetans living in Tibet. He reiterated the Kashag's strong determination to address the Sino-Tibetan conflict through dialogue based on the Middle Way Approach, a policy framework conceived by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and supported by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, the CTA report stated. Sikyong further emphasised the teachings and guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, particularly stressing His Holiness's Four Principal Commitments: the promotion of human values, fostering religious harmony, preserving Tibetan culture and the environment, and reviving ancient Indian wisdom. He urged the Tibetan community to integrate these values into their personal and collective lives. During his speech to the Tibetan community in Canada, Sikyong Penpa Tsering highlighted the significance of the Green Book, issued by the Department of Finance of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). He clarified that the Green Book certifies an individual's Tibetan identity in exile and represents the collective acknowledgement of the CTA as the sole legitimate representative of the Tibetan people. The visit concluded with a community gathering, where members of the Tibetan diaspora expressed their gratitude, followed by a formal vote of thanks from the Tibetan Association of Alberta, as highlighted in the CTA report. (ANI)
Canada Standard
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Sikyong Penpa Tsering urges global Tibetan unity in Toronto, highlights rising global focus on China-Tibet conflict
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 21 (ANI): Sikyong Penpa Tsering spoke to members of the Tibetan community in Ontario during his official trip to Toronto on May 18, as reported by the Central Tibet Administration (CTA). The event commenced with a welcoming speech and a short presentation by the President of the Tibetan Association, Sonam Lankar, followed by comments from Representative Namgyal Choedup. Both speakers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for Sikyong's committed leadership and his ongoing advocacy for the Tibetan cause on an international level, according to the CTA. Sikyong Penpa Tsering underscored the importance of the upcoming 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He encouraged Tibetans around the globe to take an active role in honouring this significant occasion and to contribute meaningfully to efforts that celebrate Dalai Lama's legacy, as reiterated by the CTA. He further mentioned the increasing global attention on the Tibetan issue, noting a rise in media coverage and reports related to the Tibet-China conflict. He highlighted the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA) continuous endeavours to engage with international stakeholders through diplomatic channels and media efforts, aimed at garnering wider support for the Tibetan cause, as noted by the CTA. Sikyong also pointed to legislative progress in the United States, referencing the passage of the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act (Tibet Resolve Act). This Act reaffirms Tibet's historical independence and strengthens US policy supporting the Tibetan people's right to self-determination. He also mentioned a letter from the US Secretary of State received on the occasion of the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day (March 10), which reaffirmed the US government's long-standing commitment to the Tibetan cause, as highlighted in the CTA report. Sikyong provided updates on the primary initiatives and programs of the 16th Kashag aimed at supporting the ongoing sustainability of Tibetan settlements and the administrative structure in exile while advancing the Tibetan freedom struggle, according to the CTA report. Additionally, Sikyong brought attention to a demographic shift within the Tibetan exile community, noting a gradual migration of Tibetans to Western countries, which has led to a decrease in the population in India. He expressed concern over the ramifications of this trend, particularly its potential effects on Tibetan schools. He stressed the urgent need for strategic planning to safeguard Tibetan language and cultural heritage for future generations, as cited by the CTA report. (ANI)
