Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 1: The inaugural U-Tsang Youth Congress, held from June 27 to 30, 2025, near Dharamshala, concluded with a four-point declaration emphasizing the continuity of the Tibetan freedom movement, unity among Tibetan provinces, and unequivocal support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s authority, particularly on the matter of his reincarnation.
The conference was convened in accordance with the resolution passed by the 16th U-Tsang Cholkha Executive Committee and was jointly organized by the U-Tsang Organizing Committee. Over a hundred Tibetan youth from India, Nepal, and several other countries participated in the four-day event. Under the theme “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future,” the participants engaged in wide-ranging discussions on the role of U-Tsang youth in advancing the Tibetan cause and strengthening the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in line with the vision and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The youth conference issued a four-point declaration, which reaffirmed the collective commitment of the U-Tsang youth to the Tibetan freedom struggle and democratic values. One of the key points strongly rejected any external interference in the reincarnation process of the 14th Dalai Lama, declaring that only His Holiness and the Gaden Phodrang Office hold the legitimate authority to decide on this sacred matter. The statement explicitly opposed any intervention, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party and “other scheming parties.”
This year marks the 90th birthday of the revered exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, according to the Western calendar. In alignment with the CTA’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Gratitude and Compassion, the youth conference extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Tibetan leader. Participants collectively offered fervent prayers for his long life and the stability of his leadership for generations to come.
Recognizing the CTA as a democratic institution operating under the compassionate leadership of the Dalai Lama, the youth conference pledged unwavering support for the exile government and affirmed its determination to carry forward the Tibetan people’s nonviolent struggle until a just resolution is achieved.
In conclusion, the U-Tsang youth vowed to uphold unity among Tibet’s three traditional provinces—U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo and to work in solidarity to fulfil the aspirations of the Tibetan people, sharing both the joys and challenges of the struggle ahead.
