Dharamshala: As part of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s ongoing periodical visitation program, parliamentarians Thubten Wangchen and Thupten Gyatso recently concluded a successful visit to the Tibetan communities in Vienna and Linz, Austria, from February 1-2, 2025.
The two MPs were warmly welcomed at Vienna International Airport by Tenzin Kunga, President of the Tibetan Association of Austria, marking the beginning of their official visit to Europe.
During their stay from February 1st to 2nd, the parliamentarians held a series of speeches and discussions with the local Tibetan community. Choesang, a staff member from the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, also attended the events. Tenzin Kunga, along with the executive committee members of the Austrian Tibetan Association, and a significant number of community members were present at these sessions.
On February 1st, the first community gathering took place at the Panchen Losang Chogyen of the Gelug Buddhist Association in Vienna. The session began with an introduction by the President of the Austrian Tibetan Association, who spoke about the history and current activities of the organization.
Parliamentarian Thubten Wangchen then delivered a speech highlighting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and underscoring the importance of always remembering His Holiness’s kindness. He urged attendees to fulfill their responsibilities while preserving their Tibetan identity.
Parliamentarian Thupten Gyatso focused on the three pillars of democracy within the Central Tibetan Administration in exile, providing insight into the evolution of Tibetan democracy. He also spoke about the Middle Way Policy, outlining its ground, path, and fruition, and raised political awareness about its significance. The event concluded with an interactive session where community members asked questions, shared views, and expressed various concerns.
The following day, February 2nd, the MPs visited Linz, where a gathering was held in a local hall. The session began with a brief introduction by the local committee chairman, Lobsang, who gave an overview of the program and the situation in Linz. Tenzin Kunga presented brief biographies of the parliamentarians to the attendees.
Parliamentarians Thubten Wangchen and Thupten Gyatso continued their presentations, explaining in detail His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s activities and vision, as well as ways to promote ethical conduct and moral values. They also elaborated on the structure and responsibilities of the three pillars of democracy in the Central Tibetan Administration, and the objectives of the Middle Way Policy.
The session in Linz concluded with an open discussion, where community members actively engaged by raising questions, offering opinions, and making various appeals to the MPs.