Tibetans in exile voice their problems in a round table symposium

Dharamshala, Feb 7 (ANI): Tibetans living in-exile here discussed their problems and shared their experiences with the officials of the District administration in a round table conference.

The conference named '50-years of exile and 50-years of togetherness' was organised by the Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR) on Friday in an endeavour to share the experiences of living in India and also to bridge the communication gap between locals and the Tibetans.

TCCR is a non-profitable, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole.part from the Tibetans, several social activists, local leaders, top brass of the State police and other officials attended this pro-interactive meeting.

Many issues concerning both the communities were discussed at this meet, the first of its kind.

"The main objective of this seminar was to build partnership between the two communities Indians and Tibetans. Their 50 years in exile here and whatever problems they have faced here and whatever benefits they have gained here," said Shubhra Tiwari, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dharamshala.

On their part, the Tibetans felt that it was a good effort as they set forth many issues, which otherwise were neglected.

"I think it is extremely important because many times we have conferences, big conferences and seminars where we talk about the political level, and small community level issues are not addressed at all. I think this kind of round table where people from big organisations and offices are present, but, at the same time, we are talking small grass-root issues. So these interactive sessions have potential about bringing things which are hidden, which are not really spoken off," said Sonam, Associate Director, Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution.

Chinese troops occupied Tibet in 1950 and thousands of Tibetans including the Dalai Lama fled the mountainous region in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

Although Tibetan exiled spiritual leader's faith has been reportedly faltering in the Chinese Government, the Dalai Lama says that he has faith in China's people on whom he pins his hope for an eventual change in the Chinese policy towards Tibet.

Envoys of the Dalai Lama and Chinese held talks in 2008 after a series of riots in Tibet that were the most serious challenge to Chinese rule in the mountainous region for nearly two decades. (ANI)