A compelling panel discussion titled “Why Tibet Matters” was held at the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education (DLIHE), shedding light on the pressing political and cultural issues surrounding Tibet. Organized by the DLIHE in collaboration with the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration, the event fostered a vital conversation on the challenges faced by Tibetans in today’s political climate.
Moderated by Tibetan History lecturer Acharya Norbu, the discussion brought together two distinguished panelists: Dechen Palmo, an environmental researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute, and Dukthen Kyi, head of the Tibet Advocacy Section at DIIR. Both speakers provided insightful commentary on the importance of preserving Tibetan identity amid growing external pressures.
Dukthen Kyi delivered a passionate address on the political and cultural significance of safeguarding Tibetan identity. She discussed the growing pressures from the Chinese government, underscoring the need for international awareness and support. Linking environmental sustainability with human rights, Kyi highlighted the Central Tibetan Administration’s advocacy efforts for Tibet and urged the global community to remain vigilant in supporting the Tibetan cause.
Dechen Palmo, offering an environmental perspective, echoed these concerns and stressed the intricate connection between Tibet’s fragile ecosystem and the broader fight for Tibetan rights. The panelists agreed that the protection of Tibet’s environment is inseparable from the preservation of its cultural and spiritual traditions.
The event, attended by nearly 200 students and faculty, culminated in a strong call to action. Tenzin Pasang, Principal of DLIHE, emphasized the collective responsibility of those present, urging them to actively engage in advocacy for Tibet’s pressing issues. “We must all play a part in the Tibetan movement,” he said, reinforcing the message of solidarity and action.
The discussion took place against the backdrop of Tibet’s complex and fraught political history. After China’s invasion of Tibet in 1950, the region was formally incorporated into the People’s Republic of China, fundamentally altering its governance and society. In response, many Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, have long advocated for greater autonomy or independence, expressing deep concerns over cultural erasure, religious repression, and human rights violations.
The Chinese government, however, maintains that Tibet is an integral part of China, promoting economic development in the region as a means of integration. Yet, international debates about human rights and cultural preservation continue to place Tibet at the center of sensitive discussions in global affairs.
Recent years have seen growing international concern over the Chinese government’s intensified restrictions on Tibetan Buddhism, including the surveillance of monasteries and limitations on religious practices. One of the most prominent cases remains that of the Panchen Lama, a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, who was abducted by Chinese authorities in 1995 at the age of six. He has not been seen publicly since, raising significant alarm about religious freedom in Tibet.
The event at DLIHE successfully highlighted the ongoing struggle for Tibetan identity and the urgency of global advocacy. As the panelists and attendees concluded, the future of Tibet, its people, and its culture remains an issue that demands continued international attention and action.
