International Campaign for Tibet, Sept.20.– Warm greetings from DC, where I have just returned from an inspiring trip to Dharamsala!
High up in the Dhauladhar mountains of Northern India, the small hill town of Dharamsala is where His Holiness the Dalai Lama has established the Tibetan government-in-exile since he was forced to escape Tibet after the Chinese occupation. It’s been the heart of the Tibetan community-in-exile and the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration ever since, as well as the site of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, numerous monasteries, schools, and cultural institutions. Several thousand Tibetans live in Dharamsala, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This is where our boards and leadership team came together to learn and strategize how we can better advance the Tibetan cause. Through meetings with key stakeholders in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), His Holiness’ private office, and other members of Tibetan civil society, we are working to chart the way forward to be the most effective advocates for Tibet and the Tibetan people.
Close communication and a deeper understanding of the efforts of the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala are of the utmost necessity. ICT, ICT Europe, and ICT Germany staff and board were all represented as we explored how we can continue to partner with the Tibetan community-in-exile with a united front of advocacy in the US, Europe, and globally.
Our visit was planned to coincide with the 65th Anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2, 2025 — a day that celebrates both history and hope. The Executive Chair of ICT’s International Board, Ms. Christina Jansen, was invited to address the crowds gathered at the celebration.
Ms. Jansen said in her speech, “This year carries a very special blessing, as we celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We also join you in the worldwide celebrations of His Holiness’ 90th birthday and carry with us the warm greetings of thousands of ICT members from Europe, North America, and beyond. For Tibetans, and for all of us who cherish his wisdom, this is not only an auspicious occasion—it is also a reminder of the extraordinary vision that has guided your democratic journey in exile.” 
We were also deeply honored and grateful to have had an audience with His Holiness, where we offered the Statement of Support scroll bearing messages from ICT members.
We were privileged to also meet with Sikyong (President of the Central Tibetan Administration) Penpa Tsering, visit the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and meet with many other key CTA officials to determine how to continue ICT’s critical advocacy for the Tibetan community and advance freedom for Tibetans in Tibet.
We visited important institutions like the Tibetan Children’s Village, the Tsulagkhang Temple, and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. We also attended a discussion with Tibetan organizations like the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan artists and cultural groups, Tibetan advocates, and entrepreneurs.
Returning to Dharamsala never fails to inspire me. Seeing Tibetan culture persist and endure outside of China’s oppression reminds us all what we are working for: a world where Tibetans can freely express themselves and exercise their universal human rights.
While the challenges are immense, we are returning home energized and inspired—ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on putting these ideas into action for Tibet and its people! Thanks for reading, 
Tencho Gyatso
President
P.S. We’re coming back from Dharamsala inspired and motivated to take the next step for the Tibetan cause—and we need the help of democracy lovers all over the world.
Comments powered by CComment