Tibetan translation of ‘Authenticating Tibet’ launched
DHARAMSALA, May 7: A translation in Tibetan language of the book ‘Authenticating Tibet: Answers to China’s 100 questions’ was launched on May 6 by the political head of the Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) located within the premises of the Central Tibetan Administration here in Dharamsala.
The book launch was attended by among others, Speaker Penpa Tsering, Mr Ngodup Tsering, Kalon for Department of Education, members of the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and secretaries of various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The book was first published in French by Anne-Marie Blondeau and Katia Buffetrille in 2002, to offer clear and unbiased responses to a booklet titled ‘100 Questions and Answers about Tibet’, which was published by the Chinese government in 1989 following a series of Tibetan protests that year. The booklet containing 100 questions and answers on Tibet was an attempt by the Chinese government to provide “truth” about Tibet and counter the criticism generated by the Tibetans.
The English language translation of the book ‘Authenticating Tibet’ was published in 2008 and contained unbiased responses by 15 international Tibet scholars, including 3 Tibetan scholars.
Addressing the book launch, after a brief introduction of the book and the process of translating it into Tibetan by Geshe Lhakdor, Director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Sikyong Sangay highlighted the importance of publishing the book in Tibetan and the importance of Tibetan scholars being able to provide timely responses to China’s claims.
Speaker Penpa Tsering appreciated the publication of the book by LTWA in his address and said: “The book contains certain views by Tibet scholars that are not in agreement with the views and policies of the Central Tibetan Administration. Therefore, I would like to clarify that the launch of the book by Sikyong in the presence of the speaker and members of the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile should not be understood as its endorsement by the CTA.”
