Tibetan Leader Sikyong Penpa Tsering Highlights Chinese Efforts to Suppress Tibetan Culture

Tibetan Leader Sikyong Penpa Tsering Highlights Chinese Efforts to Suppress Tibetan Culture

Tibetan Leader Sikyong Penpa Tsering Highlights Chinese Efforts to Suppress Tibetan Culture

Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 26: Exiled Tibetan leader Sikyong Penpa Tsering has emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is making systematic efforts to suppress Tibetan identity, including shutting down cultural and religious centers.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Kashag (the executive branch of the Central Tibetan Administration), explained that these actions are part of a larger strategy to make Tibetan culture more Chinese and erase its unique heritage. He also expressed concern about the government’s recent change in terminology, using ‘Xizang’ instead of ‘Tibet,’ which he believes is an attempt to distort Tibet’s historical and cultural identity.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering made these remarks during his visit to the Sakya Tibetan Society Settlement in Puruwala as part of his tour of Tibetan communities in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. During his visit, Sikyong shared updates on the 16th Kashag’s political and administrative work, focusing on the serious situation in Tibet under the CCP. He also spoke about the importance of the Tibetan plateau in global politics and reaffirmed the Kashag’s commitment to the Middle Way Approach, which aims for genuine autonomy for Tibet within China.

He shared the Vision Paper, which outlines the Kashag’s long-term goals and emphasizes the need for ongoing international support for Tibetan rights. After interacting with the community, Sikyong visited several local institutions, including the Sakya Magon Shedra and Sambhota Tibetan School. He then went to the Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement, where he visited Shalu Monastery and continued to raise awareness about the challenging situation of Tibetan culture and religion under Chinese rule.

He also informed attendees about current projects, like digitizing important documents and creating a Tibetan digital library, which are designed to strengthen the administration of the Tibetan community in exile. Senior officials from the Central Tibetan Administration accompanied Sikyong during his visit, highlighting their commitment to supporting Tibetans living outside Tibet.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), often referred to as the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, is the political and administrative body representing the Tibetan community living outside Tibet, primarily in India. Established in 1959 after the Dalai Lama fled to India following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the CTA seeks to preserve Tibetan culture, promote the welfare of Tibetans in exile, and advocate for the rights and autonomy of the Tibetan people.

Doubts Revealed


Tibetan Leader -: A Tibetan Leader is someone who guides and represents the people of Tibet, a region in Asia.

Sikyong -: Sikyong is the title for the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile. It means ‘President’ in Tibetan.

Penpa Tsering -: Penpa Tsering is the current Sikyong, or political leader, of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Chinese Communist Party -: The Chinese Communist Party is the ruling political party in China. It makes decisions for the country.

Kashag -: Kashag is the governing council of the Tibetan government-in-exile. It helps manage Tibetan affairs.

Tibetan identity -: Tibetan identity refers to the unique culture, traditions, and way of life of the Tibetan people.

Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India, known for its mountains and pilgrimage sites.

Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is another state in northern India, famous for its beautiful hills and valleys.

Tibetan plateau -: The Tibetan plateau is a large, high-altitude area in Asia, often called the ‘Roof of the World.’

global politics -: Global politics refers to how countries interact and make decisions that affect the whole world.

international support -: International support means help and backing from other countries around the world.

preserve Tibetan culture -: To preserve Tibetan culture means to protect and keep alive the traditions, language, and customs of Tibet.

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