Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile addresses 2nd General Meeting of Standing Committee of the Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society

TPiE

October 1, 2019

Speaker Pema Jungney and Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile addressed the opening ceremony of the 2^nd General Meeting of the Standing committee of Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society on 29 September,2019

Dharamsala: Speaker Pema Jungney and Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile attended the opening ceremony of the 2^nd General Meeting of the Standing committee of Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society as chief guest and special guest respectively on 29 September 2019.

The opening ceremony of the meeting was also attended by Parliamentarian Gewatsang Ngawang Tharpa, Tibetan Settlement Officer of Dharamshala, representatives of NGOs, etc.

The program began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a minute of silence in solidarity for the demise of the Tibetan martyrs and lighting of butter lamp by the speaker and Deputy Speaker in the hall of Kirti Charitable Society.

Speaker Pema Jungney in his address lauded Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society, for being a connecting bridge between the Tibetans in and outside of Tibet, especially Tibetans of Ga Kyigudo Region, and also for their philanthropic works. He advised the members of the committee to work collectively towards the functioning and development of the Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society, which was established in 2016. He also highlighted the importance of education in Tibetan society and advised them to help in the education of Tibetan students with financial constraints.

Speaker further addressed on preserving Tibetan language and at the same time emphasized on Tibetans to stay united and work hand in hand to resolve the long-standing issue of Tibet.

Speaker then recalled a letter from former Parliamentarian Drawu Pon Rinchen Tsering that was sent to DIIR and its copy to TPiE on 24 July 2019 urging to use the word ‘ Ga Kyigudo’ instead of ‘ Yushul’. So, therefore, the Speaker asked them to discuss and debate if the usage of the word ‘Yushul’ is appropriate or not, in the three-day meeting.

Finally, he guided them to follow and practice the advice of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, which is the best guidance in every aspect of life.

Following that special guest Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok started the address by expressing his happiness in attending the opening ceremony again after three years as he had attended the first opening ceremony of Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society at the time of its establishment in 2016.

Referring to the speech of Speaker regarding the letter from former Parliamentarian Drawu Pon Rinchen Tsering’s suggestion on the usage of the word ‘Ga Kyigudo’ instead of ‘Yushul’. Deputy Speaker instructed them to pay special attention while using new words or terms, which shall have a great impact in the future like the usage of the word ‘Ga Kyigudo’ instead of ‘Yushul’.

He appreciated the book published by the standing committee of Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society that contains compiled reports of the committee since its establishment in 2016 along with an introduction to the region with pictures from six different counties of Yushul.

At the same time, Deputy Speaker suggested the committee to compile current environmental issues of Tibet, lack of religious freedom inside Tibet and other important matters in their future publication.

He then discussed all the ten agendas of the meeting and encouraged them to pass resolutions and implement each of them. The first six agendas focus on serving Central Tibetan Administration, staying united and praying for the long life of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, etc. and while other agendas were concerning education of Tibetan students.

He said, ‘’With the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and kindness of elder Tibetans, today only approx. 10% exiled population has not attended schools and there is almost zero illiterate amongst exiled Tibetans.’’

“Even though the Central Tibetan Administration provides education to all the Tibetan students, you can also contribute in the field of Tibetan students’ education as per the agenda mentioned in the book”, he said.

He further gave the example of former Parliamentarian Gyalnor Tsewang, who provides scholarships to 100 students and suggested to contribute to Tibetan cause in any aspect.

Deputy Speaker encouraged the committee to preserve unique Tibetan art and craft like Thangka painting, woodcarving art, traditional Tibetan stove making process, etc.

Furthermore, he spoke about China’s policy on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and their interference in the process of reincarnation of Tibetan Tulkus.

Finally, Deputy Speaker lauded the Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society for its effort and contribution in the struggle of Tibetan people and concluded his address by praying for the long life of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.

The ceremony concluded with thank you note from the Vice President of Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society.

Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile addresses 2nd General Meeting of Standing Committee of the Dhokham Yushul Welfare Society

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