Tibetan Democracy in Exile

On March 10, 1959, Tibetans in Lhasa staged a revolt against the Chinese invasion of their homeland. As a result, approximately 80,000 Tibetans were forced into exile, leaving them disoriented and displaced. In their new adopted land of democratic India, Tibetans embarked on establishing their fresh abode.

Within 18 months of that unfortunate event, the Tibetan exiles experienced their initial encounter with democracy as they elected their inaugural representative body, now recognized as the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE). Initially referred to as the Commission of Tibetan People's Deputies, this representative body took their oath in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on September 2, 1960. This day is now commemorated as Tibetan Democracy Day.

Since that day, the Tibetan exiles have diligently constructed their own democratic framework, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on the hill station of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The community that began with 80,000 individuals has flourished to 150,000+ today. The assembly of 13 parliamentarians has expanded to 45 dedicated representatives. Within the CTA, a comprehensive structure has taken shape, encompassing the crucial pillars of judiciary, legislature, and executive.

Yet, while remarkable strides have been made, the Tibetan people are not without their challenges. The ominous shadow of China's growing influence looms large, casting a daunting uncertainty over their future. The issue of mass immigration remains a pressing concern, as Tibetans seek to preserve their unique identity and heritage amidst diaspora. The advancing age of His Holiness the Dalai Lama presents an inevitable transition that carries profound implications for both the spiritual leader and his people. Above all, the fate of Tibet itself stands as a paramount concern, one that resonates deeply within the hearts of every Tibetan.

In this webinar, the panelists will delve into the following topics:

● The Evolution of the Tibetan Democratic System and its Relevance for Others to Learn From
● Navigating the Impending Challenges in Sustaining the Democratic System
● Envisioning Tibet's Future in the Absence of the Dalai Lama
● The Role of Youth in Shaping Tibet's Future
● The Significance of the Indian Government in Supporting the Tibetan Cause

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Dr. Carsten Klein
Regional Head - FNF South Asia

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Dr. Jürgen Martens
Head, Deutsche Gruppe der Liberal International (DGLI)

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Tenzin Paljor
FNF South Asia

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Sikyong Penpa Tsering
The President (Sikyong) of Central Tibetan Administration

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Tenzin Paldon
Tenzin Paldon is a highly seasoned journalist with over two decades of professional experience. Her journey in journalism commenced in the late 1990s as a reporter, and she has since ascended to the position of Director at the Voice of Tibet (VOT), one of the preeminent Tibetan broadcast services operating outside Tibet. Her primary responsibilities encompass engaging with lawmakers and politicians within the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) while also playing a pivotal role in conveying accurate and timely information about events within Tibet to a global audience. Tenzin Paldon stands as one of the remarkable female Tibetan leaders in the realm of journalism.

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Gonpo Dhundup
Gonpo Dhundup serves as the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) since 2019. Distinguished as the youngest ever elected President in TYC's history, he leads the charge in advocating for Tibetan independence, harnessing the global reach of the organization with its chapters spanning across the globe. In this role, he ensures that the resonance of the Tibetan struggle reverberates powerfully through the collaborative endeavors of TYC. Gonpo's educational journey, encompassing institutions such as T.C.V Ladakh, Kirori Mal College (D.U.), and O.P Jindal Global University, has aptly prepared him for his leadership role. With a strong foundation built as the former President of Tibetan Youth Hostel Delhi and as a co-founder of the Lhaksam Welfare Group, Gonpo consistently showcases his unwavering dedication to various noble causes.

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Geshe Lhakdor
Geshe Lhakdor's remarkable journey is one of unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence. Having served as the Religious Assistant and Translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for an impressive 16 years, he has traveled alongside His Holiness to over thirty countries, spreading the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism worldwide. With a strong academic foundation, he earned a Master's degree in English from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India, and an MPhil. Degree from the University of Delhi. His commitment to spiritual learning led him to achieve the prestigious Geshe Degree (Doctor in Divinity) from Drepung Loseling Monastic University in South India in 1995. Today, Geshe Lhakdor holds several esteemed positions, including Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, Chairman of the Council of Education at the Central Tibetan Administration, and an Honorary Professor at the University of British Columbia and Delhi University. His contributions to Tibetan literature and philosophy are also evident through his co-translation and co-production of numerous books, including works by His Holiness the Dalai Lama such as "The Stages of Meditation," "The Joy of Living and Dying in Peace," and more, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Tibetan Buddhism and scholarship.

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Sujeet Kumar
This Member of Parliament (MP) represents Odisha in the Rajya Sabha and is affiliated with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). They have a background in law and social entrepreneurship, with prior roles in government advisory positions. They are the Founder & Mentor of LexMantra, a legal consulting firm, and Kalinga Kusum, a social enterprise focused on education and legal empowerment in rural India. Their education includes degrees from Harvard Kennedy School, Oxford University, and Indian institutions. With over 20 years of experience across corporate, government, legal, and non-profit sectors, they advocate for bridging the gap between law, development, and social entrepreneurship. They advise various startup ventures, businesses, non-profits, and investors on legal, regulatory, and governance matters in India. They are also associated with several professional associations and organizations.

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Youdon Aukatsan
Ms. Youdon Aukatsang is serving her fourth term as an elected member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Her areas of interest include Sino-Tibet relations, democracy & human rights, international relations, women & youth empowerment and education. She has over 22 years of experience working on issues affecting Tibet and Tibetans and has served in various capacities in Tibetan led NGOs-Tibetan Women’s Association, Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy and Empowering the Vision Project. She is currently serving on the board of TCHRD and Empowering the Vision Project. She was a recipient of 2021 Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship with National Endowment for Democracy, USA. Ms. Aukatsang holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University and a Master’s degree in International Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi with a Bachelor’s degree from Lady Shriram College for Women, Delhi University