‘I am confident India will stand on the right side of history’: Penpa Tsering

Exclusive interview/ Penpa Tsering, Sikyong, Central Tibetan Administration

As the Dalai Lama turns 90, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is stepping up efforts to counter China’s claims over his reincarnation and rally global support for religious freedom. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, head of the CTA, reflects on the exile community’s journey, the Dalai Lama’s enduring legacy, the Indian support and the challenges ahead. Tsering outlines plans to train a new generation of Tibetan advocates and highlights fresh momentum in the global push for a negotiated solution with China. Edited excerpts:

Q. How do you reflect on the journey of the CTA over the years, and what is your message to the exile community?

A. The CTA, under His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership, has transformed the Tibetan exile community into an exemplary democratic polity over the past 66 years. Despite early challenges—such as adapting to India’s climate and managing the needs of 80,000–85,000 refugees with no prior skills—His Holiness laid the foundation for a democratic system in the 1960s. His vision culminated in devolving political and administrative responsibilities in 2011, empowering Tibetans through elected leadership, including the Sikyong. This has enabled us to sustain our movement and take the cause forward.

Politically, His Holiness has been a pragmatist, introducing the Middle Way policy in 1973 during the Cultural Revolution, a period when China destroyed over 6,000 monasteries and caused the deaths of 1.2 million Tibetans. This policy seeks a non-violent, negotiated and mutually beneficial solution for genuine autonomy, ensuring the survival of Tibetan civilisation. My message to the exiled community is to uphold His Holiness’s legacy of compassion and unity, with our youth driving the movement forward through platforms like the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Groups (V-TAG).

Q. What are the biggest challenges for the CTA in terms of political recognition, funding and engaging the younger generation born outside Tibet?

A. Politically, the primary challenge is China’s resistance to genuine autonomy, despite His Holiness’s shift from seeking independence to the Middle Way. Internally, we bridge the divide between independence advocates and Middle Way supporters through V-TAG, uniting Tibetans across 27 countries. On funding, the US aid cuts have impacted us, though political support remains strong. I have engaged with the US Congress, the state department and embassies to restore funding, and we remain patient yet proactive.

Engaging the youth is critical, as many are born outside Tibet and are migrating to North America, Europe and Australia. This creates challenges in schooling and cultural preservation. Through V-TAG, international youth forums and workshops, we aim to train 1,000 leaders over a decade to sustain the movement for the next 40–50 years.

Q. How has the relationship between the CTA and New Delhi evolved?

A. We are deeply grateful to India, our “parent”, for providing refuge. India’s relationship with China is complex, marked by incidents like Galwan and the Brahmaputra dam project, suggesting cautious progress. We align our interests with India’s, maintaining transparency without expecting India to prioritise Tibet over its national interests. Leaders from Himalayan states—Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh—and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will join the birthday celebrations, signalling continued support. This reflects the close cultural and religious ties we share with India, particularly in Himalayan regions.

Q. How does the CTA engage the global Tibetan diaspora?

A. While Dharamsala remains the heart of our movement, hosting global delegations and sustaining cultural and political activities, I have visited 80 per cent of the Tibetan communities worldwide, with plans to complete a second round, ensuring emotional connection despite physical distance. We have reached 37 settlements across 10 Indian states and two Union territories. Social media and institutionalised relations with other governments keep the diaspora engaged and informed, ensuring continuity for future generations.

Q. What gives you the most hope for the Tibetan movement?

A. The youth are our greatest hope. With 750–800 registered in V-TAG and annual youth forums, we are training future leaders. Our goal is to prepare 1,000 leaders over a decade to sustain the movement for 40–50 years. My message to the youth is to stay inspired and engaged, as their energy will carry the Tibetan cause forward, even if the Sino-Tibet dispute persists.

Q. How do you address the concerns of those advocating for independence while promoting the Middle Way approach?

A. The Middle Way is the official policy, supported by His Holiness and the CTA for its non-violent, practical approach. V-TAG unites independence advocates and Middle Way proponents, allowing them to jointly advocate for Tibet while respecting differing views. Cultural preservation—our language, rooted in Devanagari, and Buddhism from the Nalanda tradition—unites all Tibetans. We are proud to be a repository of ancient Indian wisdom, transcribing Sanskrit and Pali texts from the 8th to 13th centuries.

Q. Is there a need for India to issue a statement supporting the Dalai Lama’s authority on reincarnation, similar to the US?

A. We are working with governments to secure policy statements on religious freedom and reincarnation. While I will not preempt specific actions, I am confident India will stand on the right side of history.