The Tibet Policy Research Center, an institution operating under the Central Tibetan Administration, inaugurated the fifth edition of the "Indian Young Scholars Seminar" on October 6, 2023, at the "SARAH" Tibetan Institute of Higher Education, located in the picturesque vicinity of Dharamsala, India.
The Seminar aims to provide a platform for Indian scholars researching Tibet and the Himalayas to present their research findings. Along with the presentations, they encourage the speakers to engage with their peers through discussions.
The opening ceremony saw the attendance of Karma Choying, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Information of the Central Tibetan Administration, alongside dozens of enthusiastic young Indian scholars keen on delving into the rich heritage of the Himalayan region.
In an exclusive interview with Voice of Tibet, Tenzin Razen, a dedicated researcher at the Tibet Policy Research Center, emphasized the profound religious and cultural connections that have bound Tibet and the Himalayan region since time immemorial. She underscored the primary objective of organizing this seminar as providing a platform for young Indian scholars to gain a deeper understanding of the Himalayan people and their historical context.
Razen further elaborated on the program of the seminar, highlighting that nineteen young Indian scholars presented their research papers. The topics covered an array of critical subjects including the impact of Chinese Communist authorities on Tibetan identity, culture, and religion post their invasion, the ecological consequences of mining activities by CCP authorities in Tibet, and the challenges faced by Tibetans in exile in India. These research papers will serve as the focal point for discussions in upcoming sessions of the seminar.
During his address at the inauguration, Karma Choying, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Information, called upon the young Indian scholars to delve into the intricate religious, linguistic, and cultural bonds that tie the people of Tibet and the Himalayan region together.
Karma also emphasized the need to examine the ecological state of Tibet's environment and the current status of its rivers. Furthermore, he expressed the hope that all participants would engage in an in-depth analysis of the political dynamics involving Tibet, India, and China.
Edited and collated by Team TRC