BTSM expands organisational network across educational institutions in HP
JAMMU, Jun 14: Dr Vivek Sharma, National Co-Convener of the Intellectual Forum of Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM) and State President of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, along with Dr Rajesh Sharma, Vice President of BTSM for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, undertook an extensive organizational visit to Himachal Pradesh aimed at strengthening the activities and outreach of the organisation within academic institutions and intellectual circles.
The visit formed part of BTSM’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness about the Tibetan cause, foster national consciousness among youth, and build stronger engagement with scholars, researchers, and educational institutions across the country. During the tour, the delegation held a series of interactions with academicians, faculty members, researchers, and intellectuals associated with leading institutions of higher education, including Sardar Patel University, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.
The discussions focused on expanding the organisational presence of Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch in universities and colleges, encouraging meaningful academic discourse on issues related to Tibet, and promoting greater understanding of India’s civilisational links with Tibet. The leaders highlighted the importance of involving educational institutions in awareness programmes that help students appreciate the historical, cultural, humanitarian, and strategic dimensions of the Tibet issue.
As part of the visit, the delegation travelled to several key locations, including Neri in Hamirpur district, the Central University campus at Dharamshala, and McLeod Ganj, the global centre of the Tibetan community in exile. During their interactions with faculty members and scholars, detailed deliberations were held on strengthening organisational networks, establishing student and intellectual forums, and increasing participation of the academic community in programmes aimed at promoting cultural understanding and national awareness.
Addressing the participants during various meetings, Dr Vivek Sharma underlined the need for sustained intellectual engagement on issues concerning Tibet and emphasised the role of educational institutions in shaping informed public opinion. He noted that universities serve as important platforms for dialogue, research, and awareness-building and can play a constructive role in fostering understanding of matters related to civilisational heritage, cultural preservation, and regional geopolitics.
A significant highlight of the visit was the delegation’s interaction with senior representatives of the Tibetan administration in McLeod Ganj. The BTSM leaders met Finance Minister Tsering Dhundup, Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the Education Secretary, and several other officials and dignitaries. The discussions centred on the contemporary challenges faced by the Tibetan community, efforts being undertaken to preserve Tibetan culture and identity, and the importance of maintaining international awareness regarding Tibet.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening people-to-people ties, enhancing academic engagement on Tibet-related issues, and encouraging greater participation of students, researchers, and civil society organisations in programmes aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of Tibetan history, culture, and aspirations.
The delegation reaffirmed BTSM’s commitment to promoting friendship, understanding, and solidarity between the people of India and Tibet. The leaders also explored possibilities for future collaborative initiatives involving educational institutions, intellectual forums, and youth organisations to generate informed discussion on issues of cultural preservation, civilisational heritage, and humanitarian concerns.
The visit concluded with a shared resolve to further strengthen the organisational work of Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch across educational institutions in Himachal Pradesh and to continue extending moral and intellectual support to the Tibetan people in their efforts to preserve their unique cultural, religious, and historical identity.
Among those present during the various interactions and discussions were Dr Jagdish Parshad, Dr Ajay Sharma, Dr Anil Kumar, Dr Shaveta Sharma, and Dr Thuktan Negi from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dr Rakesh Sharma from Sardar Patel University, Mandi, and Dr Ankush Bhardwaj and Dr Sunny Kumar from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, along with several other academicians, scholars, and distinguished participants.