By Sonam Dorjee
Toronto – Dr. Lobsang Lobsang Sangay (Senge) responded affirmatively when he was asked about his take on being one of the 11 nominees for the post of 2011 Kalon Tripa in the www.Kalontripa.org website during a Q&A session. Lobsang was speaking at a panel discussion organized by the RTYC, Toronto on ‘Choosing the Next Kalon Tripa in 2011’ to mark the 40th Founding Day of the Tibetan Youth Congress.
Being a key proponent in the Tibetan community to play a proactive role to further the cause of Tibet at various levels, he said that he cannot shy away from the responsibility, if elected for the post of Kalon Tripa in 2011.
He also emphasised that not having any experience in the TGIE administration shouldn’t hinder his capacity to shoulder the responsibilities of Kalon Tripa.
He made a presentation with statistics on the Kalon Tripa’s election, voter’s turnout and drew comparative analysis with many different countries. He also stressed the need to focus on the ‘process’ of the democracy and encouraged everyone to take keen interest and participate in the process.
There are currently eleven individuals nominated for the post of Kalon Tripa on the Kalontripa.org website and four of them have already secured the required endorsement of 25 endorser to become an official nominee of the website, which has been initiated by Mr. Thupten Samdup, the Representative of H.H the Dalai in England.
Other panellists were Mr. Lhasang Tsering, a strong supporter of Tibetan Independence movement and Ms. Tsering Tsomo, a former member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Mr. Lhasang Tsering was the chief guest during the occasion and discussed his concerns on the dire state of Tibetans in Tibet. He reminded everyone about the fact that the ‘time is, indeed, running out for Tibet’, especially considering the Chinese government policy of population transfer into Tibet. The Chinese leaders are not trustworthy and hence no matter how much effort we may put into resolving the issue of Tibet through Middle Way approach, there won’t be any success, he said. Mr. Lhasang Tsering echoed that the other party with whom we are dealing is deceptive and simply buying out a time to execute their cruel policies towards the Tibetan people in Tibet. He said it is a high time therefore to unite and fight for the Rangzen, which is the only solution to resolve the issue of Tibet.
Ms. Tsering Tsomo emphasised on the importance of non-violence approach and engaging with the Chinese Diaspora around the world, which should be done both at the individual and the organizational levels. The Tibet support network should be put into service at its best to highlight the situation of Tibet.
Among the challenges, the Indo-Chinese rivalry and the near par economic status of the US and China could pose challenge for the Tibetan leaders in future. She also spoke of internal challenges from the responsibilities and accountability issue. There is a need to strengthen and broaden the democratic institution by reforming the present structure of Tibetan Parliament in Exile that is limited by the existing imbalance of representations from Tibetan Diaspora around the world, she added.
