The symposium "Understanding Tibet in the 21st Century" held on September 12th, 2023, provided a profound exploration of the complexities surrounding Tibet, from its historical significance to contemporary challenges.

 

Dr Sreeram’s Insights:

Dr Sreeram set the stage by highlighting India's pivotal role in capacity building for the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibet Government in exile. With the People's Republic of China emerging as a dominant power, knowledge became a potent force, making the "Tibetan cause" internationally respected. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's presence in India underscored the country's privilege in preserving Tibetan identity. The 21st century has witnessed digital and internet-based advocacy, fostering transnational solidarity in advancing the Tibetan cause. Tibet, a multidimensional land, offers not only geopolitical significance but also valuable lessons in statecraft, political history, and resistance against Chinese oppression. The event stressed the importance of understanding Tibet's past, including its cartographic history, as a key to securing its future.

 

Session 1

Speakers in the first session, including Dr. Anand Kumar, Mr. Claude Arpi, and Mr. Tenzi Tsundue, delved into Tibet's history as a nation colonized just after World War II. Dr. Kumar lamented the loss of India's peaceful border due to the People's Republic of China's annexation of Tibet. This session highlighted Tibet's vital role in preserving Indian knowledge systems through Buddhism and ayurveda, now under threat from an assertive China. China's actions in Tibet, including relocating locals, destroying cultural heritage, imposing communism, and altering the narrative of Tibet's origin, were exposed. Tibet's fate, deeply connected to multiple nations, particularly India, was discussed in the context of justice, cultural genocide, and environmental crises exacerbated by Chinese activities in the Himalayan region. It was emphasized that teaching Tibet's history in the Indian curriculum and supporting Tibetans under Chinese occupation is of paramount importance.

 

Session 2

Dr. Lobsang Yangtso and Ms. Dhondup Wangmo led the second session, shedding light on Tibet's environmental challenges. China's labeling of Tibet as the "Tibet Autonomous Region" within its territory was highlighted. Tibet, strategically crucial in Asia, faces ecological degradation, desertification, monsoon variability, and flooding on the Tibetan Plateau. China's "Upstream Strategy" for hydroelectric power poses a grave threat to climate change, affecting transboundary rivers originating from Tibet. China's refusal to share hydrological data related to the Brahmaputra river and the absence of a water treaty for transparency were concerning. The session also unveiled China's hidden agenda behind relocating local populations in the name of "National Parks" to expand infrastructure, further escalating Tibet's ecological vulnerabilities. This issue, once regional, is now a global concern.

 

In conclusion, the "Understanding Tibet in the 21st Century" symposium provided a comprehensive exploration of Tibet's multifaceted challenges and the urgent need for international attention and cooperation in addressing them. Tibet's history, culture, environment, and political future were dissected, highlighting the values of justice, freedom, love, and compassion that should guide efforts to support Tibet in its quest for justice and freedom.

​

Report Drafted by : Kusuma and Anushka