NORTH INDIA V-TAG YOUTH ADVOCACY TRAINING COMMENCED IN DHARAMSHALA – Administrative Training and Welfare Society

NORTH INDIA V-TAG YOUTH ADVOCACY TRAINING COMMENCED IN DHARAMSHALA

DIIR TAS Head addressing the gathering 1

By ATWS Staff Editor

ATWS Dharamshala, January 23, 2026: The Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) commenced a 3-day North India V-TAG Youth Advocacy Training from January 22 to 24 at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society (ATWS), Dharamshala. ATWS is facilitating the training by providing venue and service facilities.

The inaugural session began with an introductory remark by Mrs. Dukthen Kyi la, Joint Secretary and Head of the Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR. She provided an overview of the training program and its objectives, highlighting that the training is part of the V-TAG initiative launched by the 16th Kashag in November 2021. The initiative aims to empower Tibetans in exile, especially the younger generations, to contribute actively to the non-violent struggle for Tibet’s freedom.

Further, acknowledging the diligent efforts of Tibetan associations and non-governmental organizations towards Tibet’s freedom, she stated that the training aims to provide a common platform for Tibetan NGOs to share information and insights about their activities and advocacy tactics with the younger generations to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills. The participants are expected to carry out independent advocacy in their respective places with renewed motivation and enhanced strategic thinking, while the CTA continues to facilitate such programs in pursuit of larger goals pertaining to restoring Tibet’s freedom.

Following the introductory remarks, the opening session featured two dynamic keynote speakers: Mr. Tsering Choephel la, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, and Dr. Lobsang Yangtso la (Ms.), Asia Regional Program and Environment Coordinator of the International Tibet Network. They shared valuable insights about their organizations, core principles, objectives, and advocacy tactics.

The keynote speakers highlighted various advocacy campaigns that Tibetan youths can undertake to bring meaningful impact to the Tibetan freedom struggle, including campaigns against the Chinese PRC government’s forceful and repressive policies in occupied Tibet, such as environmental destruction, interference and control over Tibetan Buddhist practices of reincarnation system of the religious leaders and forced operation of colonial-style boarding schools etc.

Around 39 participants, mainly from seven different regions of North India, including a few from overseas, and two DIIR staff, attended the training.

The program included various talk sessions and group activities related to Tibet advocacy.