Gangtok: - Over a hundred participants from Tibetan Youth Congress Regional Chapters in India, Nepal and Bhutan have gathered in Gangtok, Sikkim on 11 August for the 45th Tibetan Youth Congress Working Committee Meeting.
The opening ceremony was held Tuesday (11 August) morning at Cho Ka Sum Hall in Gangtok and attended by high ranking officials and ministers of the Sikkim government including Chief guest Mr. R B Subba (Human Resource Development Department/Youth Affairs Minister of Sikkim), Mr. Kasur Gyalo Dhondup (elder brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama), Mr. Sonam Gyatso (Deputy Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly), Mr. Sangay Dorje (Additional Director General of Police), Thukchu Lachungpa (Former Forest Minister of Sikkim& Current President of Citizen Forum) as well as ex TYC Centrex members, representatives of local Tibetan assembly, Tibetan NGO's, representatives of local monasteries and Tibetans living in Gangtok.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Guest Mr. Subba said that it is an honor to hold the 45th Working Committee Meeting of TYC in Gangtok and wishes TYC success in your works for Tibet's freedom and independence.
Mr. Subba also stated, "I understand that Tibetan Youth Congress is the largest Tibetan NGO in exile and I know that the work you do is very important for Tibet. We believe that basic human rights and freedom should be something that all human beings enjoy. The situation inside Tibet must be resolved soon and I hope and pray that His Holiness will be able to return to a Free Tibet in the near future".
Chief Guest Kasur Gyalo Dhondup, spoke of the importance of youth participation and said that TYC is a very important organization in our movement because it provides a platform for our youth to be involved in our struggle.
He said that there will be difference in opinions in our society but most importantly we all must work for Tibet. He also stated that change is inevitable and change will come to Tibet.
TYC President Tenzing Jigme spoke about the organizations aims and goals for the future and urged all members to make sacrifices and take responsibility for our movement. He added that we have to be more creative and strategic in our campaigns and recognize that we can all make a difference in our struggle for Tibet.
The 45th Working Committee meeting will be held for six days from Aug 11-16. This is the first time that this meeting is being held in the Himalayan region of India. Members of TYC will have discussions on a variety of topics ranging from Tibet's freedom and independence, campaigns to release political prisoners, security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and strengthen Tibetan Youth Congress.
