In 1959, our lives as Tibetans changed forever. When China invaded our homeland, thousands of Tibetan fled, seeking refuge in neighboring countries, primarily India. At the time, Tibetan carried very little with them—no possessions, no resources—but one thing they had in abundance was their unwavering faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama. That faith, combined with collective dedication, hard work, hope, and unity, became the foundation upon which they began to rebuild their lives.
The journey of the Tibetan exile community over the past 63 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Against all odds, we not only survived but thrived. With the blessings of His Holiness and the steadfast support of the Indian government, our community flourished. India, unlike any other nation, granted us the unique opportunity to establish a functioning government-in-exile. This freedom allowed us to preserve our cultural and spiritual identity while governing ourselves in exile. For instance, the establishment of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) became a symbol of hope and organization, ensuring that the community could thrive while staying connected to its roots.
His Holiness often reminded us of the importance of nonviolence and compassion, and his wisdom guided us through those early, challenging decades. When he retired from political responsibilities in 2011, Samdong Rinpoche became the Katri, maintaining a sense of stability and unity within the exile community.
However, things began to shift during the election of our first Sikyong. The nature of the Sikyong elections took a turn that felt uncharacteristic of who we are as a people in exile. Candidates began running their campaigns as though we were part of a fully sovereign nation, making grand promises and creating factions among voters. This marked a stark departure from the unity and humility that had long defined us, and for the first time, divisions started to emerge within our community.
During the tenure of Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, there were notable achievements, such as the restructuring of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) building. However, these accomplishments were often overshadowed by controversies. Many in the community expressed dissatisfaction with his public speeches, which were perceived by some as overly self-centered. Additionally, there was growing unease over the sudden resignation of his appointed Kalon, followed by the firing of Penpa Tsering from his position as Representative of the Office of Tibet in New York and the subsequent legal case, which Lobsang Sangay lost. These incidents were compounded by the dismissal of three members of the Tibetan Justice Commission, further fueling resentment within the community. By the time Lobsang Sangay completed his tenure as Sikyong, the divisions within the exile community had deepened significantly.
In addition, prominent figures within our community contributed to these divisions by openly opposing the Middle Way Approach—a policy advocated by His Holiness to seek genuine autonomy within China rather than full independence. This opposition further fractured the unity that had once been the cornerstone of our exile movement.
As the years passed, these divisions deepened. The rise of misinformation, particularly on social media platforms like YouTube, inflamed tensions further. Certain individuals leveraged these platforms to spread unverified claims and accusations, sowing mistrust and discord. For example, some creators have consistently shared inflammatory content, pointing fingers and exacerbating dissent within smaller pockets of the exile community. Adding to this, the demeanor and language used by some members of our parliament have become increasingly inappropriate, further diminishing public confidence and amplifying dissatisfaction.
Despite these challenges, our community has accomplished remarkable feats. Tibetan refugees are often regarded as one of the most successful refugee communities in the world. According to reports, we’ve achieved high literacy rates, and Tibetan schools in exile, such as those managed by the Tibetan Children’s Villages, have become models of education for refugee children. Our cultural and religious institutions, too, continue to flourish, preserving our identity and passing it on to future generations.
This is a crucial moment for our community. We must remember that we are not like other nations with the privilege of having our own country. Our shared history, struggles, and dreams bind us together in ways that transcend political differences. His Holiness has repeatedly emphasized the importance of dialogue, compassion, and unity in the face of adversity. As he once said, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy. We need to embrace the oneness of humanity to find that happiness.”
It is imperative for everyone—leaders, parliamentarians, social media influencers, and every member of our community—to act responsibly and mindfully. The path forward lies in acknowledging our differences while remembering the values that have sustained us for over six decades: unity, resilience, and faith. I call on our community to engage in open dialogue, reject misinformation, and work collectively toward healing these divisions.
The Tibetan exile community has achieved incredible feats, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure this success is not overshadowed by discord. With collective effort and a return to our core principles, I believe we can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive as a united people in exile.