Dharamshala, March 7: More than 100 members of Tibet Support Groups, including former parliamentarians, activists and prominent columnists from 32 countries, gathered at Gangchen Kyishong in Dharamshala on Saturday for the Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting.
The three-day conference, which began on March 7 and will continue until March 9, has been convened by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause–India and facilitated by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The meeting is being held as part of the CTA’s year-long celebration of “Ghoton – the Year of Compassion,” marking the 90th birth year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The event began with a brief inaugural ceremony. Tibetan political leader Penpa Tsering delivered the keynote address, while remarks were also made by Rinchen Khando Khrimey, National Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause in India, and Norzin Dolma.
Actor and long-time Tibet supporter Richard Gere, who could not attend the conference due to flight schedule changes, sent a video message for the gathering.
The inaugural ceremony began with opening remarks by Karma Choeying, Secretary of DIIR, who said the conference had brought together “friends and supporters from around the world to reflect on the life and legacy of Tenzin Gyatso and his universal message of peace, non-violence, compassion and the oneness of humanity.”
The gathering was formally opened with a traditional invocation ritual performed by monks of Nechung Monastery, followed by the ceremonial lighting of lamps.
In his video message, Richard Gere emphasised that the movement supporting Tibet is a long-term effort rooted in universal values. Referring to a recent “Walk for Peace” by Buddhist monks across the United States, he said the journey symbolised humanity beyond religious divisions.
“We are all in this together,” he said, stressing that compassion and awareness of suffering must guide collective efforts.
In his welcome address, Rinchen Khando Khrimey noted that despite global uncertainties and conflicts, representatives from 32 countries had attended the conference out of 37 invited nations.
“This demonstrates the dedication and commitment of supporters to the Tibet cause,” he said, adding that international cooperation among Tibet Support Groups is essential for strengthening the movement.
Delivering the keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering highlighted the important role played by Tibet Support Groups in raising awareness about Tibet around the world.
“Your support has been extremely valuable for us,” he said, noting that in many countries without Tibetan communities, supporters have helped engage with media, parliamentarians and policymakers.
He credited the global support for Tibet largely to the lifelong efforts of the Dalai Lama, calling him the driving force behind the Tibetan freedom movement.
Penpa Tsering also said the CTA hopes to encourage more countries to adopt legislation similar to the Resolve Tibet Act and to support the uninterrupted recognition process of the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Kalon Norzin Dolma, who expressed appreciation to participants and organisers for their contributions to the international gathering.