RTYC of San Francisco celebrates Tibetan Youth congress’ 38th year in Founding

October 7, 2007

Although it was a Sunday evening, more than a handful of Tibetan community members showed up at the Unitarian church of Berkeley, CA on cedar and bonita to commemorate the 38th year of TYC.

The portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama along with the flag of Tibet and United States stood on the stage.  As soon as the first bowl of dresil (sweet buttered rice with raisin) was presented to the altar, the rest was offered a bowl along with sweet chai. 

The program began with the Tibetan National Anthem followed by scarf offering to the HHDL portrait.  The board members in their grey chupas and white shirts sang the Tibetan Youth Congress song with Tenzin Thuchen on dranyen (Tibetan lute).  Then the TYC statement that was released by TYC CENTREX India for the Anniversary was read by board member Tsultrim Dorjee, followed by review of the annual report of TYC activities for the year 2006-2007 by Kalsang Yangzom Tashi, an another board member. 

A short three minute PowerPoint presentation with a Tibetan Rangzen (freedom) song in the background was the most inspiring as it showed the pictures of all the activities that was lead by TYC of SF during the 2006-2007 year. 

A speech by the president of SF Tibetan Youth Congress, Dawa Dorjee concluded the short event.  He stressed how critical Beijing Olympics 2008 was for the Tibet issue to move forward and that it was the responsibility of all Tibetans and supporters to get involved right away in any way they can.  Tibetans and supporters living in Bay Area, CA have a special responsibility this April 9th 2008 as San Francisco will be the only city in the entire North American continent that the Torch will be passing through.  Because SF is the only city, RTYC SF is expecting many Tibetans and supporters from all over North America to let Beijing know that “we are ready!”

Like every year, RTYC SF will host annual cultural-competition this Friday October 12 with over six cities participating this year.  Ex-political prisoner Ama Adhe and Parliamentarian Dolma Tsering will be among many of our main guests.  Gorshey and Dance will conclude the celebration of founding of the largest and most active non-governmental Organization of Tibetans in exile. It has more than 30,000 members worldwide.