Sikyong Penpa Tsering makes a two-day maiden visit to Varanasi today specifically to meet and interact with the students and staff of the Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies.

Sikyong was received at the airport by Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi (Vice Chancellor of CIHTS) led dean of Sowa Rigpa faculty, dean of students and representative of Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement.

In the evening, Sikyong addressed the students and staff of the institute. He apprised them of the 16th Kashag’s vision and commitments vis-a-vis the administration’s adherence to the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

During his hour-long interaction, Sikyong repeatedly emphasised on learning and propagating Tibet’s historical status while stating three key reasons for that. The first reason he highlighted was to proactively counter China’s historical narrative of Tibet that is strategically intended to mislead the global community. The second reason he pointed out was to educate the international community of the real narrative on Tibet’s sovereignty so they are not succumbed to China’s pressure.

“Unless the historical independent status of Tibet is recognised by the international community, China will not stop seeking persuasion of the international community to legitimise its illegal occupation of Tibet”, Sikyong asserted.

“Should the Middle Way Approach of the CTA to have some leverage then the recognition of the historical status of Tibet as an independent state is critically important”, added Sikyong Penpa Tsering and argued that the international community cannot support the Sino-Tibet negotiation so long they legitimise Tibet being part of the PRC. The third reason Sikyong pointed out was to actively engage the involvement of young Tibetans to advocate for Tibet.

When asked if Sino-Tibet dialogue could happen during his term, Sikyong said he remains hopeful and shared that back-channel discussions were happening but could not comment beyond that due to confidentiality of the matter.

Besides this, Sikyong talked about some of the key socio-political initiatives of the 16th Kashag particularly highlighting the recently held International Youth Forum in Dharamshala, a flagship event organised under the VTAG initiative of the Kashag.