In this episode we engage with Lobsang Soepa, he is currently studying Tibetan at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies (Sarah) at Dharamshala. Born and brought up in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh he is now telling the story of his land through artwork and illustration several children books. He helps the Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and continues to learn more about Tibet. 

In this podcast, Lobsang Soepa shares his experiences and journey as an artist, his tryst with identity and India’s soft power capability. He has been working on the famed ‘Khando Drowa Sangmo’ folktale which is deeply tied with Tawang and tells us how comics are a means of preserving rich folklore passed throughout generations in this day and age. He stresses that artwork and illustration are means to gather support for the Tibetan cause. He further emphasises how his stay till now at Dharamshala (many refer to it as the exile Tibetan political capital) has been profound and life-changing.

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Conversation with Tenzin Tsedub Lodoe La

Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA

In this episode Tenzin Tsedub Lodoe la shares his inspiring journey as a Tibetan based in USA. He currently is the national coordinator of Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) USA and also a co-founder of Bodja Podcast which has been coming out amazing podcast of Tibetans from all walks of life in English.

Being a participant of the both the 2023 and 2024 International Tibet Youth Forum (ITYF) he shares us how relevant and important this annual forum is and it a hub to him where Tibetan youth from different countries come together to learn and then advocate for Tibet. Similarly being in the USA he spotlights the Tibet Lobby Day and how he has been taking part of it since his high school days, with it being central in pushing forth Tibetan related polices and resolutions in USA. 

He further highlights how advocacy in the USA by Tibetans contributed to the historic signing of the Resolve Tibet Act by US President Joe Biden led by the International Campaign for Tibet and Office of Tibet. He currently interns at Harvard’s Leadership & Happiness Laboratory and narrates to us about his heartfelt speech at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday in Dharamshala, India. He finally shares us messages from Tibetans in occupied Tibet and calls upon all Tibetans to embody the spirit of the Dalai Lama in spreading love and peace.

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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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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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Conversation with Tenzin Shinyi La

Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA

In a heartfelt and enlightening conversation on the Unsilenced: Voices of Young Tibetans podcast series, we had the privilege to speak with Tenzin Shinyi la. A young Tibetan woman who shares her personal journey, experiences and future aspirations. 

Born in India and grown up in Tibet, Shinyi la’s life has been marked by cultural transitions, challenges and with a profound connection to her Tibetan heritage which she proudly dons and treasures it close to her heart. Her insights shed light on the complexities of identity, education and the resilience of Tibetans both in occupied Tibet, the diaspora and in exile.

She further shares her contrasting experiences of schooling and learning in higher academia from her Chinese schools in Chengdu to Tibetan Schools and Institutions she has and currently studies at in India. “As an outcome of discrimination, I was forced to try every method possible to look like a Chinese, to speak like a Chinese, to dress like a Chinese and even think like a Chinese – just to be accepted” says Tenzin Shinyi on the severe level of discrimination a Tibetan experience in Chengdu. All of which was a stark contrast when she returned to India for her further studies. Yet even in such an adverse environ she states that the Tibetans and their love for Tibetan Culture remain firm and thrives.

While studying she has simultaneously been leading and part of several pivotal organisations that are shaping the narratives on our Tibetan diaspora namely The Global Tibetan People’s Movement for Middle Way Approach (GTPMMWA), Tibetan College Students’ Conference and Monlam AI to name a few. She tells us how through these various agencies she has learnt a lot and her appreciation of being a Tibetan grows stronger each day being part of such bodies. Furthermore, she highlights some of the future initiatives which the GTPMMWA will be taking forward and how the Middle Way Approach is a viable solution for both Tibet and China in resolving the Tibet-China Conflict as both parties involved here win.

On her vision on the future of Tibet, she mentions that it is one where His Holiness the Dalai Lama imparts teachings at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, where families are not forcibly separated, and where Tibetan culture thrives. Further stating that there are also avenues where our community can bring especially in the context of the patriarchal system we have. She narrates her own experience here and how certain Tibetan Civil Society bodies namely Drokmo and the Tibetan Women Empowerment Desk were of great help to her.

In her closing message, she urges and requests Tibetans to preserve their cultural identities and appreciates the continued support from global Tibet supporters. She emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and how solidarity with Tibetans contributes to a more peaceful world.

Shinyi’s journey reflects the resilience and determination of Tibetans worldwide to preserve their culture and advocate for their rights.

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Conversation with TENZIN NYINJEY

Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA 

The Unsilenced: Voices of Young Tibetans podcast session saw FNVA engage with Tenzin Nyinjey, a well-known Tibetan Researcher and Rangsten Advocate. Many Tibetan youngsters also see him as a resource person. His thoughts and opinions focus on the sub-altern, which is a much needed space developing in the Tibetan diasporic community. The podcast session with Tenzin Nyinjey engages upon, Tibet, The Tibetan Freedom Movement, The Tibetan Uprising Day, The Exile Tibetan Democracy and the Tibetan Youths. When it came to democracy and the democratic reforms practiced by the Tibetan community he stated ‘Democratic reforms should not be pigeon-holed and restricted to political structures. Democracy in the offices, hospitals, schools, homes and other institutions should be taken in account.’

Tenzin Nyinjey details us his humble journey from the Tibetan Settlement of Odisha, after which he left this settlement for studies to Shimla then Delhi and finally reached Dharamshala, where he served for more than a decade at various offices. The Department of Information and International Relations, the Library of Tibet Works and Archies and The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) being a few notables one where he left his mark. His journey from a small Tibetan settlement to the Dharamshala is a journey which is frequented by Tibetans born in exile.

When discussing on the differences that he observed when living in India and now in Canada he mentioned that there is definitely a stark differences in terms of the level of development and wealth but he putting that aside he stated that ‘There is not much appreciation for the wealth and beauty, with there  being a clear lack of alternative world view among the general Canadian Public’. He also stated ‘In India it was more a relaxed environment while here it is pay check to pay check, where if you do not continue to work, you will likely be kicked out from your rented rooms’. 

On the Tibetan exile democracy setup, he is of the opinion that it is very exciting times especially since His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his office, the Ganden Phorang handed down the political power to elected Tibetans. The reason being that it gives the Tibetans, the common Tibetans a space to not only be heard and be represented but have their opinions and chart out the new Tibetan political environment through their vision. ‘I think right now it is very important for Tibetans to withdraw and reflect and have honest and internal conversations among ourselves’ said Tenzin Nyinjey.

‘The Biggest challenge when I was researching on Tibet and Tibetans during my time in Dharamshala is the emotional drainage. Being a Tibetan one is deeply involved in the struggle itself and at the same time doing research. It is difficult to possess this combination of where you can be emotionally involved and mentally strong’ asserted Tenzin Nyinjey when enquired upon his biggest challenge when it came to researching Tibet. He also mentioned that there is a critical need of translating works on Tibet published in English to Tibetan, so that the wider Tibetan community can have access to such texts that which would eventually enlarge their horizons.

Tenzin Nyinjey said ‘China will continue to suppress the Tibetan dream of freedom and independence. At the same time they are very smart in neutralizing the Tibetan struggle, the moment a Tibetan tries to express political views be it in the form of a serious article, or poem or even displays a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Crackdown ensues.’ He mentioned Tibetan intellectual Go Sherab Gyasto and how because of his progressive works, he is behind bars now. On Xi Jinping and China he views that its current leadership is continuing to tread down this path of belligerence, with the imminent invasion of Taiwan an inevitability. With the US central intelligence bodies growing concerns over it, backing his opinion here.

He finally concluded by bringing out an honest appeal to all the Tibetan Youths to not rest on their laurels but continue to persevere. He shared his own regrets here of not doing and exploring enough during his college days. And wants the Tibetan youth who have this envious advantage of being Bilingual (Indian PM allowing His Holiness the Dalai Lama to set up Tibetan schools being a catalyst) to make the most out of it and bring change to Tibet and the larger world community. Before which he sincerely thanked the Tibet supporters for their continued support to Tibet and the Tibetans.

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