Tibetans welcoming Sikyong Lobsang Sangay on his arrival in Boston.
Photo: Office of Tibet, USA
The Tibetan political leader Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has been visiting North America, meeting dignitaries and Tibetan communities.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay gave a public talk organised by the Canada Tibet Committee in Montreal on November 25. He spoke about the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) policy of the Middle-Way Approach and its commitments in seeking a genuine autonomy within the framework of the constitution of People’s Republic of China. He also mentioned the 132 self-immolations in Tibet, saying the causes for people resorting to self-immolation were Chinese political repression, economic marginalisation and environmental destruction in Tibet. While addressing the Tibetans in Ottawa he said it is important to work hard and study well to have a better life. He also mentioned the scholarship programmes available through the CTA’s Department of Education.
Sikyong at the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago Centre in Evanston
Photo: Bob Seidenberg/Pioneer Press
On November 26, Sikyong visited the Tibetan community in Burlington, Vermont, where he was enthusiastically received by a group of Tibetans dressed in traditional Chubas. In his address, Sikyong expressed his appreciation to the community for keeping the Tibetan culture and language intact, and imparting this to the younger generation.
“The year 2020 will mark 70 years since the invasion of Tibet by the People’s Republic of China”, said Sikyong, and continued by saying that now, the generation of Tibetans who experienced freedom in Tibet before the Chinese invasion has greatly dwindled. He also mentioned that the Tibetan leadership inside and outside Tibet has to cope with a crucial and challenging reality.
Sikyong being greeted in Madison
Photo: Tibet Office USA
On November 29 he addressed the Tibetan Community in Boston, saying that the Central Tibetan Administration is always willing and ready to have a dialogue with the Chinese Government. The following day, he met Tibetan Community members in Madison and Wisconsin and later delivered a public talk organised by the Harvard Club of Madison. At the University of Wisconsin, Sikyong gave a talk “A Solution for Tibet”, saying “The Middle-Way Policy is a win-win solution for both parties”.
Sikyong visited Santa Fe, the Capital of New Mexico on December 2 where he was received at the airport by the president. Later, the Mayor’s representative declared December 2 as Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay Day in honour of Sikyong’s visit to the region. Addressing the Tibetan community, Sikyong stressed the importance of the preservation of culture and language, and reiterated his policy on education.
Sikyong visited eight cities during the twelve days of his tour to North America.
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