Washington DC: After successfully concluding his engagements with Members of Congress in Washington, DC, Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited Amherst, Massachusetts and Ithaca, New York on 10 and 11 May 2025, respectively, to connect with members of the Tibetan community.
In Amherst, Sikyong first met separately with Tibetan youth to educate them on the geopolitical importance of the Tibetan Plateau, highlighting its water resources, strategic significance, and the environmental consequences of continued mismanagement by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He also spoke about Tibet’s historical status as an independent nation and the ongoing deterioration of conditions inside Tibet, particularly the erosion of the Tibetan people’s unique civilisation and identity under Beijing’s oppressive rule.
Sikyong emphasised the critical role of youth engagement in preserving Tibetan culture, identity, and advancing the broader Tibetan movement. He reiterated the Kashag’s commitment to strengthening ties with youth groups and fostering greater awareness among younger generations about their vital role in shaping the future of the Tibetan cause.
As the upcoming Tibetan Youth Forum approaches, Sikyong encouraged young Tibetans to actively participate in the conference.
Later that day, Sikyong addressed the members of Tibetan community in Amherst, discussing key issues related to the Tibetan movement and the administration of welfare programs in exile.
On 11 May, Sikyong met with Tibetan community members in Ithaca, delivering a public address during his visit.
In both Amherst and Ithaca, Sikyong briefed attendees on his recent engagements with U.S. lawmakers in Washington, DC, held during the legislative sessions of the House of Representatives and the Senate between late April and early May.
“During our meetings with Representatives and Senators in DC, we requested their continued support for the Tibetan cause,” said Sikyong. “We also implored them to publicly express this support during key moments, such as the birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama or the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, to make small yet meaningful gestures of solidarity.” Sikyong further shared that legislators were invited to attend upcoming events and celebrations marking the Year of Compassion.
In this regard, Sikyong said, “As the language of violence and war continues to spread across the globe, it is crucial that we, as followers of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, amplify his message of love and compassion during the Year of Compassion to foster peace and harmony in these tumultuous times.”
Sikyong further encouraged the community to promote His Holiness’ Four Noble Commitments through various programs and initiatives during the year-long celebration of His Holiness’ 90th birthday.
Apart from that, Sikyong called on Tibetans in exile to remain united and steadfast in the pursuit of restoring freedom and rights in Tibet. “While we are committed to resolving the long-standing Tibet-China conflict through the Middle Way Approach, one of the 16th Kashag’s key priorities has been substantiating Tibet’s historical independence to enhance our legitimacy and leverage.” For those advocating for full independence, Sikyong stressed the importance of being able to convincingly articulate Tibet’s historical independence to the international community as a basis for their advocacy.
Sikyong recommended that Tibetans read the works of Professor Michael van Walt van Praag and Professor Lau Han Shiang for deeper understanding of Tibet’s historical and legal status.
Before concluding, Sikyong also highlighted major initiatives of the 16th Kashag, including the Building Back Compact Communities program and the provision of housing and land for Tibetans lacking access to these resources. These efforts aim to sustain Tibetan settlements and institutions in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. He also mentioned the Tibetan Digital Library Project, among other significant undertakings.
