Chandigarh: A Tibetan marcher travelling on foot from Dharamshala to New Delhi stopped at Panjab University Tuesday, using the campus as a platform to raise awareness about Tibet’s political future, India’s security concerns and environmental issues linked to the Himalayan region.Carrying Tibetan and Indian flags, Tsering Tharchin visited the university’s Student Centre as part of his ongoing “Rangzen Yatra”, interacting with students and distributing pamphlets outlining the objectives of his campaign.Tharchin, who says he escaped Tibet and arrived in India at the age of 14, began the march on Aug 20. He said the journey is dedicated to Tibetan activist Lobsang Ramo, who self-immolated outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, as well as others who have died advocating the Tibetan cause.Through the yatra, Tharchin seeks to draw attention to Tibet under Chinese rule and promote greater international recognition of the Tibetan govt-in-exile and Tibet’s historical status. The campaign also links developments in Tibet with India’s strategic interests and regional security.A key focus of his outreach is Tibet’s geographical significance for India. Tharchin argued that the militarisation of the Tibetan plateau has implications for India-China relations and the security of the Himalayan region.Environmental concerns form the third pillar of the campaign. He highlighted issues such as mining, dam construction and river diversion on the Tibetan plateau, claiming these activities could affect the broader Himalayan ecosystem.His route passes through Kangra, Amb, Una, Mohali, Panchkula, Chandigarh, Ambala, Karnal and Sonipat before concluding in Delhi. By taking the issue directly to educational institutions and public spaces, Tharchin said he hopes to generate discussion among students and attract wider attention to the Tibetan cause.
