Opinions

Perseverance and closure of an Independent Tibetan School: 30-Year Journey of Jigme Gyaltsen Ethnic Vocational School

By Ginger Duan

In July 2024, Jigme Gyaltsen Ethnic Vocational High School, which had operated independently for 30 years, announced its closure. Known as the best Tibetan-language educational institution and a private welfare school in the greater Tibetan region, it has now come to an end. The author of this article once served as an IT technician at the school, handling numerous digital archives and witnessing the establishment, struggles, development, and eventual forced closure of this institution on this land. Now living overseas, the author learned of the school’s shutdown. However, due to censorship, former colleagues and Tibetan friends could not convey their sorrow. The author took up the pen to write this detailed recollection.

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HOPES AND DANGERS OF NEW TIBET-CHINA DIALOGUE: A FRIENDLY WARNING

By Vijay Kranti

Repeated claims by the senior most Tibetan exile leadership about ‘back channel’ talks being in progress with Beijing are an indication of a new round of Dharamshala-Beijing dialogue taking shape to settle the seven decade old conflict between the two sides. In his recent media statements Penpa Tsering, the ‘Sikyong’ (Tibetan title for the elected ‘President’ of the exiled Tibetan diaspora) has revealed that some behind the scene talks are being held with the Chinese leaders with the help of a third country. It’s understandable that the Sikyong refused to divulge either the name of the ‘third country’ or the identity of officials involved from either side. But his claim that these talks started with the initiative of the Chinese side deserves serious attention and calls for a deep clinical scrutiny of what prompted President Xi Jinping to restart these negotiations after having rejected every single point on which the Dalai Lama side has been resting its case for settlement of the Tibetan issue with Beijing.

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US Bill and Congressional Visit to Dharamshala Marks the Beginning of a New Era for Tibet

By VIJAY KRANTI
Unanimous passage of a new Bill by both Houses of the US Congress and the visit of a high-level bipartisan Congress delegation to Dharamshala and New Delhi are signs of beginning of a new era for Tibet and Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom from Chinese colonial occupation. It also offers a perfect opportunity for New Delhi and all those governments who see threats to their sovereignty and national interests from a rogue and bullying China to recalibrate their China policy.

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Why has the Indian Government consistently overlooked the great 14th Dalai Lama for the Bharat Ratna

By Thutop Gyaltsen 

Preamble and Veneer of Bharat Ratna

The term “Bharat Ratna” means “Jewel of India,” and it is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. It can be conferred upon any individual worldwide for remarkable contributions to humanity. Instituted on January 2, 1954, the award recognises “exceptional service or performance of the highest order,” without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender. Initially limited to achievements in arts, literature, science, and public service, the criteria were expanded in December 2011 to include “any field of human endeavour.”

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China Not Concealing Territorial Ambitions

By: N.S.Venkataraman.
China has recently unveiled its new “standard map” for 2023, incorporating the territories of nearby countries as its own. This action leaves little room for doubt about China’s territorial ambitions. On the contrary, it reinforces the widespread belief that the current leadership in China is resolute in pursuing its territorial expansion plans. China makes no attempt to veil its intentions, having clearly announced them to neighbouring and nearby countries.

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