St. Paul, MN – Coinciding with the second anniversary of the awarding of 2007 Congressional Gold medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama , Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota celebrated a moving tribute to friends of the Tibetan community with cultural performance by Tibetan children. Under the banner of ‘Thank You Minnesota’, TAFM observed ‘50 Years in Exile’ commemoration event by honoring those that helped with Tibetan resettlement in Minnesota at the same time acknowledging the kindness of Indian government and its people for 50 years of refuge and rehabilitation in India.
Year 2009 marks 50 years since the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. While remembering the Tibetans in Tibet for the suffering they go through and freedom they yearn for, Tibetans in India and across the globe express their gratitude to the host countries- especially India – for their help. TAFM has invited representatives from Indian Association of Minnesota (IAM).
Mr. Vijay Muralidaran of IAM recognized India’s contribution and expressed that Tibetans must not give up the non-violent struggle. “Non-violence is a proven experiment. And soon you will see the light”.
Dr. Tsewang Ngodup, President of TAFM, said, “we look back with gratitude to all those who helped Minnesota Tibetans settle here and find a home away from home. We enjoy freedom and opportunities we have here that have been denied to Tibetans in Tibet for over half a century”.
About 160 Tibetans first arrived in Minnesota in April 1992 under the resettlement project approved by the United States government which granted 1000 immigrant visas for Tibetans in the Indian sub-continent. Minnesotans welcomed these Tibetans into their homes; helped with job placements and aided in reunion of families. Despite the dreadful winter, today more than 2500 Tibetans live in Minnesota – mainly in Twin Cities.
Many friends still remain supportive of the Tibetan community and keep close contact with the organization. Ann Ayrault, one of the early supporters who served as Executive Director for a long time remains proud of the community’s accomplishment. Recounting the Tibetan immigrant stories that began with the arrival of three Tibetans she said Tibetan community made a successful transition despite receiving no government help with resettlement. Seeing the first generation immigrant children perform so lively Ms Ayrault said “spirit of Tibet is here”.
TAFM became the first Tibetan association in North America to own a community center which it acquired in August of 2003. Several friends were involved in fundraising and logistics to realize this for the community. These days Tibetan Community Cultural Center remains busy as ever with hundreds of events bringing religious, cultural, social and political programs.
Both Tibetan Culture School and Tibetan Performing Arts are TAFM’s core activities held on weekend imparting lessons in Tibetan language and traditional dance and music lessons. Tibetan Culture School now has about 140 students admitted. While increasing enrollment remains a challenge considering the limited space, administrators remain committed in accommodating Tibetans children to realize its mission.
In recent months TAFM also introduced a youth outreach program called LAMTON – a mentoring program in collaboration with students in surrounding colleges. It enables college students to provide guidance and tutoring on a weekly basis to several high school students in the area as well as hold workshops about preparation and visits to colleges.
TAFM remains committed to bringing multitude of programs to the community and appreciates the support of both Tibetans and friends, said Dr. Tsewang.
Kalsang Phuntsok contributed this article for the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota
