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Conversation with Dr. Dickey Choedon La
Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA

In this episode Dr. Dickey Choedon la shares her meticulous research paper titled “Changing
Legal Identity: Tibetans View on Indian Citizenship”. She illuminates the profound paradigm
shift occurring within the Tibetan diaspora—a surge in applications for Indian citizenship
and the legal acquisition of Indian passports. With astute analysis, she delves into the
multifaceted realities confronting Tibetans in exile, deftly navigating the intricate web of
geopolitical complexities and socioeconomic imperatives that underscore their decisions.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of first-hand experiences and insightful interviews with
individuals from the Tibetan community, Dickey Choedon meticulously examines the
motivations and rationales driving this significant trend. Through the lens of her own
personal encounters and the poignant anecdotes shared by her interviewees, she unveils
the nuanced considerations shaping the trajectory of Tibetan identity in the contemporary
global landscape.

Dickey Choedon’s question on the continuity and cohesion within the Tibetan freedom
movement—a movement historically anchored in the steadfast preservation of Tibetan
culture, heritage, and autonomy, against the backdrop of burgeoning applications for Indian
citizenship. She calls upon more research into this topic especially in terms of the potential
ramifications on the unity and direction of their struggle for self-determination.

Dickey Choedon’s scholarly endeavour transcends mere academic inquiry, offering profound
insights that resonate deeply with policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders invested in the
Tibetan cause. By elucidating the complexities inherent in the evolving dynamics of Tibetan
legal identity, she contributes invaluable perspectives to the ongoing discourse surrounding
exile communities, citizenship, and the pursuit of justice in an increasingly interconnected
world.

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In response, the Foundation for Non-Violent Alternatives has come out Policy Briefs titled “2024 Election: Tibet in the Election Manifesto” for India’s two major national political parties, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), along with Key Takeaway points applicable to all major Political Parties of India.
These policy briefs urge political parties to include Tibet in their election campaign manifestos, building on past efforts.

Key Points highlighted in the briefs are:
I. Recognize Tibet’s strategic importance for India’s defense posture.
II. Encourage global cooperation on Tibet-related issues. Including dialogue between the two.
III. Advocate for the reestablishment of India’s mission in Lhasa; make the opening of Chinese offices in India conditional.
IV. Emphasize Tibet and the Himalayan region as India’s core interest.
V. Urge China for comprehensive information on hydropower projects, collaborative initiatives, and transparent environmental impact assessments.
VI. Demand a water-sharing agreement and the creation of an India-China Commission on Brahmaputra.
VII. Assert willingness to take the Brahmaputra water issue to international fora if necessary.
VIII. Reiterate India’s commitment to safeguarding Tibet’s religious and cultural identity.
IX. Pledge collaborative efforts to protect and promote Tibetan Buddhism.
X. Oppose outside interference in the Dalai Lama’s succession; offer support to the 15th Dalai Lama if in India.
XI. Promote interconnectivity and exchange along the Buddhist Himalayas.
XII. Work towards opening pilgrimage tourist routes, including Kailash-Mansarovar via Nathu-La and Demchok, and propose air and rail connections to Buddhist pilgrimage sites for the establishment of a Buddhist Circuit.

These points encapsulate central themes such as National Security, Policy for Himalayan States, Climate Change and Cultural Heritage, Buddhism, and the Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama.

We urge all stakeholders to utilize these policy briefs and key takeaways, urging political parties to prioritize Tibet’s issues on their election manifestos. Let’s bring Tibet to the forefront of discussions.

We thank all those who provided us valuable insights for the Policy Briefs.

Read/Download the key takeaway file
READ/DOWNLOAD PDF

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In an insightful conversation on the Unsilenced: Voices of Young Tibetans podcast series, we had the privilege to speak with Thupten Rinzin la. He was the then Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office and shares his personal journey, experiences and future aspirations. Revealing the answer to the big question which we all ask and that is of how does one become a Civil Servant at the Central Tibetan Administration also known as the Tibetan
Government in Exile?

Thupten Rinzin provides a comprehensive account of his journey within the Central Tibetan Administration also known at the Tibetan Government-in-Exile since his induction in 2014, illuminating various avenues for involvement in civil service within it. Serving as the former Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office, headquartered in New Delhi, he delves into the strategic initiatives devised to bolster support networks for Tibetans residing in India,
with a special emphasis on empowering the younger generation through targeted engagement programs.

Drawing from personal experience, Thupten Rinzin reflects on the transformative impact of the Tibetan Scholarship Program, an initiative spearheaded by the US government in collaboration with the Tibet Fund. As a beneficiary of this program, which facilitates the pursuit of higher education in the United States for Tibetan refugees, he highlights its
profound contribution to the holistic development of the Tibetan diaspora.

Despite transitioning from his role as Coordinator, Thupten Rinzin’s enduring commitment to the Central Tibetan Administration remains palpable. His ongoing efforts serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication towards advancing the interests of the Tibetan community and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships for its sustained growth and prosperity.

Disclaimer: This session was recorded during Thupten Rinzin’s tenure as the Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office. While he currently serves in the Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD) of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, his insights remain valuable.

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With Claude Arpi                                             
 
The Fault Lines is a series by FNVA that discuss developments occurring on our Indian
frontiers. Engaging extensively with the Universities on these regions and bringing them to
the fore.

The episode of the Fault Lines unfolds a riveting exploration into the historical context of the
Sino-Indian boundary, with a particular focus on the Ladakh sector. Claude Arpi, an
esteemed author, Tibet expert, Advisor at FNVA, and Director of the Pavilion of Tibetan
Culture at Auroville, takes center stage as he delves into the intricacies of the region.
Moderated by Professor Sonam Joldan from the University of Ladakh, the episode serves as
a crucial discourse addressed to the academic community, shedding light on the nuanced
dynamics of the Sino-Indian boundary.

The session is divided into two parts on our YouTube handle.

Part 1: Historical Background and Significance of Ladakh in the India-China Boundary: In the
initial part of the episode, Claude Arpi provides a comprehensive overview of the historical
background and significance of Ladakh in the context of the India-China boundary.
Previously part of the India-Tibet border, Ladakh holds a pivotal position in the geopolitical
landscape. Arpi, skillfully navigates through the historical developments, tracing the
evolution of the boundary and setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the Ladakh
sector.

Part 2: Tibet and Tibetans in the Ladakh Sector – Recent Developments and the Dalai Lama’s
Central Role: The second part of Claude Arpi’s discourse delves into the role of Tibet and
Tibetans in the Ladakh sector of the Indian border. He sheds light on recent developments
in the region, unravelling the intricate connections between the current geopolitical
scenario and the erstwhile independent Tibet. He emphasizes the central role played by the
Dalai Lama in this region, adding a layer of complexity to the dynamics between Ladakh,
Tibet, and contemporary China.

Some Key Highlights from this episode:
1. Historical Evolution: He skillfully traces the historical evolution of Ladakh’s
significance in the India-China boundary, offering a nuanced perspective on the
region’s geopolitical importance.

2. Ladakh’s Transition: The discourse unveils Ladakh’s transition from being the India-
Tibet border to its current status in the India-China boundary, providing insights into
the changing dynamics of the region.

3. Tibet’s Influence: He elucidates the role of Tibet and Tibetans in the Ladakh sector,
connecting the historical threads to contemporary developments and highlighting
the enduring influence of Tibet on the region.

4. Dalai Lama’s Central Role: The episode underscores the central role of the Dalai
Lama in shaping the dynamics of the Ladakh sector, emphasizing his continued
significance in the context of the evolving Sino-Indian boundary.

Claude Arpi’s insightful discourse in “The Fault Lines” second episode not only enriches our
understanding of the historical background and significance of Ladakh but also brings to the
forefront the intricate connections between Ladakh, Tibet, and the contemporary
geopolitical landscape. The report encapsulates the multi-faceted dimensions explored by
Arpi, providing a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and enthusiasts seeking a
deeper comprehension of the fault lines in the Sino-Indian boundary, particularly in the
Ladakh sector.

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Conversation with Tenzin Passang La
Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA

In a compelling and enlightening podcast episode, we delved into the world of Tenzin
Passang, a young Tibetan women who currently is the India National Director of Students
for a Free Tibet.

Tenzin Passang passionately unfolded the genesis of Students for a Free Tibet, a globally
recognized Tibet Support Group. She shed light on the driving forces that led her to become
an integral part of this organization, emphasizing the commitment to advocating for the
rights and freedom of the Tibetan people living under occupation.

A focal point of the conversation was the critical role that SFT plays in countering the
misleading narratives propagated by Beijing concerning Tibet. She highlighted the various
initiatives orchestrated by SFT to raise awareness and provide the Tibetan perspective on
the situation in Tibet. This underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering a
comprehensive understanding of the Tibetan struggle for freedom.

The conversation delved into the specific initiatives undertaken by Students for a Free Tibet.
She elucidated on the multifaceted approaches employed by the organization to challenge
the status quo, emphasizing the importance of a proactive stance in addressing the complex
circumstances faced by Tibet.

A poignant glimpse into her personal journey unfolded as she recounted her time at
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The profound impact of her experiences at JNU on her
perspective and activism became evident, underscoring the transformative power of
education and intellectual discourse in shaping individuals committed to social justice.

A particularly inspiring segment of the episode focused on her triumphant battle against
cancer. Her resilience and determination served as a testament to the strength of the
human spirit. Additionally, she shared the unwavering support she received from her family
and friends, illustrating the importance of a robust support system in overcoming adversity.

In summary, this podcast episode serves as a powerful narrative of courage, activism, and
personal triumph. It not only captures the essence of Students for a Free Tibet but also
provides a compelling insight into the life and journey of Tenzin Passang.

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