Washington DC: Following the conclusion of his official engagements in Toronto and Montreal, Sikyong Penpa Tsering proceeded with his official engagements in North America, specifically in Vermont and Boston. During this leg of his visit, he participated in public talks, engaged with young individuals, and held meetings with congressional and legislative representatives.
In the morning of April 12, Sikyong met with Senator Peter Welch, David Scherr, the State Director at the Office of Representative Becca Balint, and staff from Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s office in the US state of Vermont. During these meetings, Sikyong conveyed the urgent situation in Tibet, highlighting China’s efforts to eradicate Tibet’s distinct culture, identity, and assimilate the Tibetan people.
Following these meetings, Sikyong interacted with local Tibetan youths, discussing Tibet’s historical significance, the Tibetan plateau’s history, as well as its natural environment.
Later in the evening, Sikyong was welcomed in the traditional Tibetan manner, with a cultural dance performance by the regional Tibetan association. After a summary of activities by the association’s president, Tsering Yangkyi and a welcome speech by Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup of the Office of Tibet, North America, Sikyong addressed the local Tibetan residents gathered there.
Sikyong commended the efforts of the regional Tibetan association in organising meetings with officials and local authorities, despite their small team, appreciating their efficiency during the brief duration of his visit. He outlined the primary objectives of his North America visit, including discussing the responsibilities of the Central Tibetan Administration and China’s policies aimed at assimilating Tibetan religion, culture, and language, along with the current situation in Tibet. Sikyong attributed the increased attention to the Tibetan cause in recent years to the influence of His Holiness, and he explained the policies and activities of the current Kashag, followed by an open Q&A session with the public.
On 13 April, Sikyong arrived in Boston, where he delivered a speech to local Tibetan residents at the regional Tibetan assembly hall. He was warmly welcomed, followed by a recap of activities by the President of the Regional Tibetan Association of Boston, Yama, and a welcoming address by Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup.
During his speech, Sikyong reflected on his extensive travels over the past two years, visiting 24 countries on official visits, and underscored the unique nature of the exile government, which no other refugee community possesses, attributing this achievement to His Holiness’s visionary leadership. He discussed the priorities and policies of the 16th Kashag, strategies for enhancing the stability and efficiency of departments within the Central Tibetan Administration, and the Middle Way Policy. Afterwards, Sikyong participated as the chief guest in a fundraising dinner organised by the regional Tibetan association.
In the morning of 14 April, Sikyong Penpa Tsering engaged in an interactive session with Tibetan youths in Boston, focusing on topics such as Tibetan history and environmental issues to enrich their knowledge and foster engagement. Following this session, he promptly departed for Washington DC, where he met with officials from the State Department and members of the legislative assembly.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
