As his message of change finds resonance with the Tibetan youth and draws comparisons with Barack Obama, 43 year-old Dr Lobsang Sangay has emerged the frontrunner for the post of Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister). If the buzz is anything to go by, on April 27, the Tibetan movement might find its new leader. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mid Day, Sangay says Tibet is more than just a humanitarian issue
As his message of change finds resonance with the Tibetan youth and draws comparisons with Barack Obama, 43 year-old Dr Lobsang Sangay has emerged the frontrunner for the post of Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister). If the buzz is anything to go by, on April 27, the Tibetan movement might find its new leader. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mid Day, Sangay says Tibet is more than just a humanitarian issueu00a0
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Dr Lobsang Sangay's father was a monk who participated in the 1959 uprising against the Chinese in Tibet, controlling the arms and ammunition department of the guerrilla group. Growing up in a Tibetan refugee settlement in Darjeeling in West Bengal, Sangay studied at a local refugee school. During winter breaks, he remembers cutting firewood and grass, and helping his parents sell sweaters at a stall in the nearby city of Siliguri.u00a0
A scholarship to Delhi University followed by a Fulbright Fellowship to study at Harvard Law School, landed Sangay a doctorate. He is currently a visiting Research Fellow at East Asian Legal Studies Program at Harvard Law School. His wife who is originally from India, works in an American bank as an accountant. The Sangays have a four-year-old daughter.u00a0
The Dalai Lama wants Tibetans to have an elected leader, but the Parliament wants him to continue.u00a0
I was sitting in the crowd when the Dalai Lama delivered that historic speech. Emotionally and psychologically, it was difficult for me to digest what he said. The Dalai Lama is after all special to all of us. Thus, I can understand the hesitation on part of the Parliament and the people in accepting his decision.u00a0
The Dalai Lama is trying to create democratic legitimacy for the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. He wants the Kalon Tripa (KT) to grow in stature and profile, both, within the Tibetan community and internationally, so that he can become an effective representative of the Tibetan people.u00a0
But if the Dalai Lama gives up his powers, the Tibetan government could face major problems.u00a0
Yes, there are practical complications. The government is not formally recognised by other nations. The entire government is in his name (Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama), and envoys from Beijing may say they only wish to talk with the Dalai Lama's representatives and thus stall talks with the government.u00a0
However, I believe these issues can be dealt with. Besides, political situations can turn around quickly. Look at Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. The next KT, thus, has to be ready to face changes in political situations and act accordingly.u00a0
You believe the Tibet issue will be resolved soon?
This decade will be crucial for Tibet. China is going to become a power centre, and there's another superpower, India, next door. Their relationship is going to be an increasingly complex one where Tibet will figure prominently. The KT's duty will thus be to maximise the chances of a positive outcome. According to me, our relationship with India is one of our most important bilateral ties and I will do my best to have an impact on India's Tibet policy.u00a0
You mention the importance of self-reliance.
We need to learn from Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian freedom movement. Self-reliance is integral; because if a movement is unable to stand on its own, it will simply wither away when external support ends.u00a0
When our grandparents came away in exile, they were forced to depend on others. We have now been in exile for fifty years; we need to move on from that mindset.
The 'Middle Way' approach of the Tibetan government, where it seeks for genuine autonomy but within the framework of China, is a contentious issue. Many Tibetans believe the Tibetan government should do away with it.
The 'Middle Way' approach is part of our constitution. And the KT's role is to implement the policies of the Tibetan government. But, as KT, I will see what happens in Asia. If ever an opportunity arises for us Tibetans to maximise our case, I will do that.
Are you satisfied with the help provided by India and other international governments to the Tibet issue?
The Indian government has by far done the most for Tibetans, followed by the US. But most of the help has been at a humanitarian level. More needs to be done at a political level. Let's face it, Tibet is a political issue.
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What do you do when you are not thinking Free Tibet?u00a0
I read a lot of newspapers and magazines. Back in Boston, my primary recreation is watching American football and baseball. In fact, every Sunday afternoon, I am busy watching a game and no one is allowed to disturb me. Red Sox is my favourite team.u00a0
I know I will be missing all of this if I move to Dharamsala. But I already seem to have found a replacement in cricket. I have been catching the World Cup matches, and the tournament is getting interesting. And I am cheering for India, of course.
The handbook
Your guide to the Tibetan government-in-exileu00a0
A decade ago, the Economist surveyed the world's two dozen governments-in-exile and found the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to be "the most serious". While most other such governments function as pressure groups, like the Internet-based Rhodesian government-in-exile that lampoons the post-independence Zimbabwean government, the CTA is a full-fledged democratic set up, and if the Dalai Lama has his way, it will no longer have him as a ceremonial figurehead.
The CTA manages 46 agricultural or handicraft-based settlements that have been established across India, Nepal, and Bhutan for the community. There are welfare officers, schools, hospitals and clinics, co-operatives, courts to settle civil disputes (although criminal cases are handled by the local police of the host country), old-people's homes, schools and universities and monasteries nearby to service the refugees.u00a0
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