13. Tibetan Youth Congress Day Observed in New York

RTYC, NY & NJ - Wednesday, October 12, 2005

October 10 - Coinciding the founding of Tibetan Youth Congress on October 7, 1970, the Tibetan community of New York and New Jersey observed the 36th Anniversary of the Tibetan Youth Congress Day on October 8, 2005 at Williamsburg Community Center, Graham Ave. Brooklyn under the initiative of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of NY and NJ. The day's program commenced with offering of scarf to the portrait of H.H. the Dalai Lama by the chief guest Kasur Mr. Tashi Wangdu, the new Representative for Tibetans in North America, and other dignitaries. This was followed by the national anthem and the TYC Theme song led by the board members of RTYC of NY and NJ. Mr. Tenzin Kalden, the Vice-President of RTYC of NY and NJ read out the Statement from the Head Office of TYC at Dharamsala. This was followed by the introductory note on the occasion by Mr. Gyatso, the President of RTYC of NY and NJ. Mr. Gyatso made a reference to the initial founding of the Tibetan Youth Congress and the important roles played by this organization since then. Later, the Representative for Tibetans in North America Mr. Tashi Wangdu addressed the audience by his words of appreciation towards the role played by the Tibetan Youth Congress since its inception in the year 1970. He also mentioned himself of being an executive member of the 2nd Central Executive Committee of TYC at Dharamsala in 1970s. His main talk revolved around the two different options taken up by TYC and the exile Government. He stressed that though the two options of attaining complete Independence and of attainment of greater autonomy through Middle Way Approach seem contradictory, but are basically not against each other. So, this should not generate misconception among our public coz both the above mentioned options have their own well-founded reasons and most importantly are both aimed at resolving the Tibetan issue. He also made reference to the importance of taking active part in the coming ATPD and Kalon Tripa election. He also suggested all Tibetan organizations of NY and NJ to have meetings at least once in three months to discuss important issues related to Tibetan politics, culture, welfare etc. After the Representative's address, certificates of appreciation were issued to the board members of the Seventh session of RTYC of NY and NJ and to other volunteers. Afternoon program included the Tibetan Cultural performances from Choltsum troupe, students of Sunday School, Gorzshe troupe, and other individual participants. About 500 Tibetans took part in the celebration. The day's program concluded with words of thanks by the Vice- President of RTYC of NY and NJ.