Minneapolis: Representatives from twenty-one Tibetan Associations gathered at Minneapolis for the 17th North American Tibetan Association Conference, which is being held, from September 01-03, 2018.
In his inaugural address, Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, the Chief Guest and representative of Kashag urged the Tibetans to make external, inner and secret offerings for His Holiness’ long life. He said that external offering could be praying for his long life, the inner offering could be putting into practice whatever he preaches, and the secret offering could be refraining from doing the things that upset him.
While touching on the Middle Way Policy, he said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not proposed the Middle Way Policy in a haste but rather after thorough analysis and that the essence of the policy calls for unity among the Tibetans from all the three traditional provinces.
Representative Ngodup Tsering introduced and explained the five point agenda for the conference. The five points being, 1. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s North America Visits and Offering him long life prayers, 2. Improving the administrative structure of Tibetan Associations, 3. Strengthening Tibetadvocacy base, 4) Preservation of Tibetan language, culture and religion, and 5. Assisting Central Tibetan Administration for its financial stability.
Chithue Pema Chagzoetsang and Chithue Tsewang Rigzin sensitized the Tibetan people of deteriorating situation in Tibet and urged them to campaign for Tibet by reaching out to state and federal senators and representatives.
Ngawang Chemi, President of Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota and Tsering Tashi, Secretary of Office of Tibet, Washington DC, and Tenzin Tsepak, Tibetan Liaison Officer of Office of Tibet also spoke on the Occasion.
In the evening, Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, Representative Ngodup Tsering, Chithue Pema Chagzoetsang and Chithue Tsewang Rigzin attended the “25th Anniversary of Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota and Thank You Minnesota” event along with the 48 participants of NATA conference and addressed the gathering. The governor of Minnesota, Mr. Mark Dayton, graced the anniversary function with his presence as the chief guest.
Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok with the Governor Mark Dayton
