Dharamshala — The Young Tibetan Research Scholar's Conference conferred for the third time on August 16th. The three-day conference themed ‘Tibet and Tibetans: Prospects and Challenges’ is being held at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies near Dharamshala.
Addressing the conference, President Dr Lobsang Sangay said, “At the crux of the current political trends and issues, especially the ones that’s taking place in India, lies an opportunity for the Tibetan issue to reinstate its relevance and become an integral part of the discussions”
“We have a vast array of young researchers, now is the right time to produce relevant researches that can be used to inform public narrative and shape intelligent arguments for Tibet,” The President urged the young scholars.
Touching on the rise ultra-nationalism and extremism and decline of internationalism and liberalism, Sikyong said, “the Tibetan movement and the people must keep itself above it. Compassion, kindness and values have been Tibetan patents since ancient times. We cannot afford to lose the hallmarks of our identity."
"Objectivity and critical thinking are the most cherished ideals in research community," the President reminded the young scholars and doctorals, and encouraged them to take greater responsibility in shaping correct views in the Tibetan community.
In his inaugural address, Brigadier Vinod Anand, Senior Fellow of Vivekananda International Foundation spoke about Tibet from a geopolitical perspective and elucidated the importance of Tibet from security point of view for India as well as for China.
“China is in throes of internal change. It cannot be said that China’s Communist Party would rule in China in perpetuity, deceleration of economy, disparity and inequality in economic growth has given rise to internal turbulence in China..it is necessary for Tibetans in India and in diaspora and especially the young scholars who are studying about Tibet and Tibetology to continue to identity with this cause,” he said.
Director Thubten Samphel of the Tibet Policy Institute addressed the conference, saying, “The conference brings together promising scholars to present their work and receive feedback from prominent scholars. We especially hope that the conference presents an opportunity for the scholars to build new synergies and connect to a wider body of contemporary researchers on themes critical for Tibet.”
Over 39 young Tibetan research scholars from across India are taking part in the three-day conference, organized by the Tibet Policy Institute from 16-18 August. Most of the scholars are pursuing their doctoral studies from major universities in India, share their research findings on the last day of the conference.
