Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 31: More than 60 Tibetans living in exile participated in a symbolic head-shaving protest outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday to honour late Tibetan independence activist Lobga Rangzen and renew calls for international attention to Tibet’s unresolved political struggle.
Organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) New York/New Jersey chapter, the memorial protest drew members of the Tibetan community who shaved their heads as a gesture of mourning, remembrance, and solidarity. The demonstration paid tribute to the late martyr, whose death has become a powerful symbol of sacrifice for many Tibetans advocating for Tibet’s freedom struggle movement.
Addressing the gathering, Regional TYC President Jamphel Choesang urged Tibetans to remain steadfast in carrying forward the aspirations of those who had sacrificed their lives for Tibet. “Our martyrs gave everything they had for Tibet. They did not sacrifice for themselves—they sacrificed for all of us, for future generations, and for the dream of a free and independent Tibet,” he said. “Their courage must never be forgotten, and their sacrifices must never be in vain.”
Remembering Lobga Rangzen, Choesang described his sacrifice as an appeal to awaken the world’s conscience and a reminder that the Tibetan struggle continues. “Our beloved Pawo Lobga Rangzen made the ultimate sacrifice to awaken the conscience of the world and to remind us that Tibet’s struggle is far from over. His message was clear: never give up on Tibet,” he said.
Calling for greater public participation, he encouraged Tibetans across the diaspora to actively support the movement through peaceful demonstrations and civic engagement. “Please stand up for our country. Join our protests whenever you can. Raise your voice for justice. Your presence matters,” he said, adding that every individual standing together sends “a powerful message that Tibet lives in our hearts and that we will never surrender our identity, our culture, or our dream of freedom.”
Emphasizing unity within the Tibetan community, he urged Tibetans to work together “as one family, one community, and one nation,” saying collective determination and mutual support remain among the movement’s greatest strengths.
“The responsibility to continue this movement belongs to every one of us,” he said. “Whether young or old, student or professional, every effort counts. Every protest, every prayer, every act of service, and every voice raised for Tibet keeps the flame of our martyrs burning brightly.”
The activist also appealed to the international community and the United Nations to recognize Lobga Rangzen’s sacrifice and respond to the aspirations of the Tibetan people. “We call upon the international community and the United Nations to hear the voices of the Tibetan people and to seek justice for Pawo Lobga Rangzen. His sacrifice deserves to be remembered, and the Tibetan people’s aspirations deserve to be heard,” he said.
Veteran Tibetan independence activist Lobga Rangzen self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York on July 2.
