Lobsang Sangay to challenge oppression and injustice through dialogue with Beijing
Congratulations on being elected Kalon Tripa. However, even though you are democratically elected, Beijing says you lack representativeness.
That is very unfortunate. That is the usual script. This rhetoric has been repeated by hardliners for the last thirty plus years, and it is nothing unusual or unexpected.
How do you plan to deal with China on the Tibetan Issue?
I have the official policy of Tibet government-in-exile, which is the middle way policy, which seeks genuine autonomy within China. This is a very reasonable and moderate stand, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a moderate leader and the Chinese government should see reason and try to resolve the issue peacefully.
Additionally, I have a record of 16 years at Harvard, reaching out to Chinese scholars and students and promoting dialogue. I have organized seven major conferences, including two conferences between the Chinese and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. So I have a proven track record on dialogue. Based on this, the Chinese government should and must be open to all negations.
How were these conferences accepted by the Chinese? Were you viewed with suspicion?
Well, at the conferences at Harvard, there were Chinese scholars from China and exiled Tibetan scholars. We had seven rounds and the Dalai Lama also came. There were two conferences between Chinese scholars and the HH Dalai.
What is the attitude of Chinese scholars towards the Dalai Lama?
Most Chinese scholars consider His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a very reasonable leader and feel that the Chinese government should have a dialogue on the issue of Tibet. There are some who are nationalistic and unreasonable. Some are ignorant, and they do not know the issues; accordingly; they have a limited understanding of Tibet. However, there is a section of the Chinese that thinks that the Chinese government should negotiate with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and resolve the issue of Tibet.
How do you plan to stop the cultural genocide of Tibetan people?
If you look at some leaders like the Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, you see that, whenever there is an injustice, they confronted those injustices and complained about them. At the same time, they engaged in dialogue with the other side. In the case of the current occupation of Tibet and China’s repressive policy, I will confront and challenge the oppression and injustice of the People's Republic of China in Tibet. I will also keep open the avenues and doors of dialogue.
Dr Lobsang, you are a Harvard Scholar, what motivated you to enter politics and become a politician?
Well, I am a Tibetan and I have a legacy of family members who have been engaged in freedom struggle: my father and my mother’s family. There is this legacy of being in the freedom struggle. I grew up as a refugee in a very small village. I even went to a Tibetan refugee school, so it was but natural for me as a Tibetan to carry the mantle and legacy of the older generations. That is why I am involved in the freedom struggle.
My foray into actual politics began when people nominated me as a candidate. Once they started, I accepted the nomination and that is how I entered the elections.
For me, leaving America and Harvard University and come and serve in the Exile Administration is not a big sacrifice at a personal level, because people are dying for Tibet every day. For me, to give up my comfort for the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan people is actually a privilege and an honour.
Dr Lobsang, what is your vision for the youth of Tibet? What are their aspirations, their concerns?
It was a one year-long campaign for the post of Kalon Tripa and I travelled to quite a number of places where Tibetans live, both in India and all over the world. I expressed a view about where I stand. I support the Tibetan government policy and I recognize that Tibet was an independent nation. That is what I said. An overwhelming number of youth supported me. I will continue with the same line of thinking and the same arguments.
I also know that my background as an executive in an organization like the Tibetan Youth Congress, coupled with my study of international affairs, will serve me well.
Dr Lobsang, you are taking over the reins of Kalon Tripa, soon after His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced his retirement from politics. How will you manage this immense responsibility without his guidance?
I think, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a very farsighted decision and his vision has always proven to be brilliant. In this case, the Dalai Lama is devolving his political powers to elected leaders. I am committed to fulfil his expectations to be the spokesman of the Tibetan people
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said himself that he will be available for guidance and advice (if asked) and I will seek his wise counsel, as he is an irreplaceable leader for us.
Dr Lobsang, a message for AsiaNews?
Asia will be the dominant issue in the 21st century and Asia’s relevance has to be recognized by leaders around the world. AsiaNews covers a large variety of news. It gives a more panoramic view of Asia, keeping the people informed. This is vital and essential because at the local, regional, national, and international levels, Asia will always be the key.
Both India and China are the next two global superpowers and their relationship is going to be an increasingly complex one where the Tibet issue will figure prominently.
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