Representatives of the Tibetan parliament in exile will visit Vilnius Culture

Tibetan MP Wangdue Dorjee was born in 1980. In Bir, India, in a Tibetan refugee family. During his studies, he was one of the student leaders, as well as a member of the Tibetan Youth Congress, and actively participated in many political campaigns. After graduating from the University of the Punjab, he worked as a member of the local Tibetan Assembly in his hometown, then for nine years as the vice president of the Dokham Chusi Gangdruk regional branch.

W. Dorjee is also an entrepreneur who founded Tibetfoods, a health food startup that promotes centuries-old traditional Tibetan food. He also created face shields during the Covid pandemic, which he provided to many people. For this activity, he was recognized with several awards. He is currently a member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile from Dhotoe Province and a member of the 22nd Central Dokham Chushi Welfare Society.

Tibetan MP Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende was born in 1977. in Kham Bathang, Tibet. Studied at a local primary school and later entered the Ba Zingon Monastery where he began Buddhist studies. in 1992 he fled into exile and joined the Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India. After nearly 20 years of intensive study, he was awarded the BA, MA, Vinaya and Geshe Lharam (Ph.D.) degrees in Buddhist philosophy. He was elected president of the Mundgod Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL), also held the position of Deputy Secretary of the Mundgod Local Tibetan Assembly, and worked as an executive member of the Central Dhokham Chushi Gangdrung.

Geshe Phende was previously elected to the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, where he actively participated in official visits and outreach programs in India and abroad. In 2019, he participated in the 7th World Parliamentary Conference on the situation in Tibet. He is currently a Member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile from the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and a member of the Standing Committee.

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**Interview with⁢ MP Wangdue‍ Dorjee on His Recent Visit to‍ Pune**

*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, MP Wangdue Dorjee. Your recent visit to Pune with fellow MP Tenzin Jigdal marks ​an important engagement. Can you share⁢ the main‍ goals of this visit?

*Wangdue‍ Dorjee:* Thank‍ you for having me. The main goal of our visit to Pune was to strengthen ties with the⁣ Tibetan community living there, engage with local ‍leaders, ⁢and discuss ⁣issues affecting ⁣Tibetans both⁢ in exile and ‌in Tibet.⁢ We also aimed to‍ promote ‌cultural exchange and‌ support ‍for our traditional practices.

*Interviewer:* It⁣ sounds like a crucial mission. As ⁢someone who has been actively ‌involved in politics since‌ your student days, how has your background in activism shaped your current role ⁢as a member of ⁤the Tibetan Parliament in Exile?

*Wangdue Dorjee:* My experiences as a ⁢student leader and activist have ​profoundly‌ influenced ⁣my approach to ⁤politics. They taught me about the​ importance of community engagement and the need ⁢to advocate for our rights.‍ As ⁤a member ‍of the Parliament, I strive to voice the concerns of our community and work ⁢towards achieving our⁤ long-term goals for a free Tibet.

*Interviewer:* You ‍have balanced your political⁢ career ⁣with entrepreneurship through initiatives like Tibetfoods. How do you see these two roles complementing each ⁤other?

*Wangdue Dorjee:* They⁤ indeed complement⁢ each other. By ⁢promoting traditional ​Tibetan food⁤ through Tibetfoods, ⁤I not ‌only support our ‌rich culinary heritage⁢ but ‍also create job⁢ opportunities within our community. Entrepreneurship allows me to address some of the economic challenges we⁢ face, which⁤ is ⁤vital ⁢for sustaining our culture ‍and fostering independence.

*Interviewer:* During ‍the pandemic, your initiative to create face shields was highly commendable. Can you tell ‍us about the motivation⁤ behind that effort?

*Wangdue Dorjee:* ⁤The pandemic was a‍ time ‌of great​ uncertainty, and I felt a strong ‍responsibility to help. We‍ faced shortages of protective equipment, so I mobilized resources to create‌ face shields for those in need.⁣ It was ⁤a way to give back to the community, and I was humbled by the recognition we received for those efforts.

*Interviewer:*⁤ Looking to the future, what are your hopes ‍for⁣ Tibetans living in exile and those in ‌Tibet?

*Wangdue Dorjee:* My ⁤hope is for unity and resilience. For those of us in exile, it’s crucial​ to continue advocating for human rights and ‌cultural preservation. For​ Tibetans in Tibet, ‍I hope for their ​safety, freedom, ‍and the ability to express ⁤their identity. Our struggle is ongoing, and together, we can pave the way for a brighter‌ future.

*Interviewer:* Thank ​you for ⁤your insights,⁤ MP Wangdue Dorjee.​ Your dedication to the Tibetan community and your dual roles are truly⁣ inspiring.

*Wangdue Dorjee:*⁣ Thank‍ you for having me. It’s our‌ collective responsibility to ensure ⁣our​ voices‌ are heard and our culture‌ thrives.