Dharamshala — "We should embrace our commonality, not our differences,” said Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration on October 12, in a meeting with Tibetans of mixed heritage.
President Dr Sangay welcomed them to the Central Tibetan Administration and told them that they are equally Tibetans as anyone else.
“The fact that you are hosting the gathering in Dharamshala is significant as it is the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration. So, I heartily welcome you all here,” he said.
“As far as the Central Tibetan Administration is concerned, you are all Tibetans as much as any other Tibetan. You are not mixed or half-Tibetans, you are complete Tibetans. We should embrace our commonality, not our differences,” he said.
“As President of the Central Tibetan Administration, I am always looking to expand our talent pool. Therefore, if you have a certain skillset and want to extend your services, you are free to be a part of this administration,” he said.
Dr Sangay further attributed the success of the democratic structure of the Central Tibetan Administration to the efforts of the elder generation of Tibetans under the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “I can attest to the fact that it is the best and the most effective exile administration anywhere in the world,” he said.
“We will put our efforts to resolve the issue of Tibet based on the Middle Way Approach during the five year tenure of political leadership. At the same time, we will formulate policies that will secure the sustenance and welfare of Tibetans over the next 50 years if the need be,” he said.
The gathering of Tibetans of Mixed Heritage in Dharamsala began with a special audience for the participants with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 9 October.
Fourteen Tibetans of mixed heritage from eight different countries ranging from 14 – 41 years of age are taking part in the gathering. The 14 participants are from India, Italy, Netherlands, France, UK, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
According to the organizers, the aim of the gathering is to provide participants with a space to meet together, share experiences and engage in conversation about identity, history, politics and culture.
