The V-TAG North India Advocacy Training concluded successfully in Dharamshala, bringing together participants to strengthen their advocacy knowledge, develop practical skills, and formulate actionable plans for grassroots initiatives across the region. The concluding sessions focused on human rights, Tibetan cultural preservation, strategic communication, and the effective use of digital platforms to advance public awareness of Tibet.
The second day commenced with an address by Karma Yeshi, Chairman of the Public Service Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Drawing on his professional journey, he emphasised the important role of Tibetan youth in sustained advocacy and highlighted the importance of preserving Tibetan language and culture through everyday practice. This was followed by a briefing from Tenzin Kunkhen, Research Associate at the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, who discussed the human rights situation in Tibet and explained how Tibet-related concerns connect with fundamental rights issues within the United Nations framework. Rinchen, staff member of the Tibet Advocacy Section, subsequently introduced the Middle Way Policy, outlining its history, evolution, and underlying vision.
The training continued with a practical session on Tibet advocacy and the preparation of advocacy materials led by Dukthen Kyi, Head of the Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR. Participants explored how to develop effective communication materials tailored to different audiences. Digital advocacy sessions followed, featuring “Tips and Tactics for Effective Social Media Advocacy” by Tenzin Thayai, Digital Security Program Manager at Tibet Action Institute, and “Turning Voices into Impact via Social Media” by Kunsang Tenzin, V-TAG India National Coordinator. Both sessions highlighted strategic communication, responsible digital engagement, and the importance of online security in advocacy work.
Tsetan Dolma, staff member of the Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, then introduced participants to V-TAG, presenting its vision, objectives, structure, and role in advancing Tibetan advocacy. Building on these sessions, participants worked collaboratively in groups to develop locally relevant campaigns and practical action plans for implementation in their respective regions. The group discussions continued into the following day, culminating in presentations that outlined proposed initiatives and approaches to strengthening grassroots engagement.
The programme also featured a presentation of V-TAG India’s annual advocacy report by Kunsang Tenzin, alongside regional coordinators Tenzin Woesel of Dharamshala, Tenzin Palkyi of Delhi, and Chime Phunrab of Varanasi. The presentation reviewed advocacy campaigns undertaken across their respective regions over the preceding year, providing participants with practical examples of community outreach, public awareness initiatives, and regional coordination.
The training concluded with closing remarks by Dukthen Kyi, followed by certificate distribution, a participant feedback session, and a farewell tea. The programme equipped participants with practical advocacy tools, strengthened connections among regional advocates, and encouraged a renewed commitment to translating knowledge into locally driven action. Through capacity building and collaborative planning, the V-TAG North India Advocacy Training marked an important step towards strengthening coordinated grassroots advocacy and expanding public awareness of Tibet across the region.