Tsewang Rigzin
NEW YORK CITY, US, 6 September 2020
In this write-up, I have laid down four key parameters that I used in identifying a candidate for the upcoming 2021 Sikyong election. Based on these four parameters, I have shown that my candidate for the 2021 Sikyong election is Kasur Ngodup Dongchung (hereafter known as KND) and argued why I believe he meets all my parameters much more impressively than others. I must mention at the outset that neither do I have any personal relationship with him, nor do I have any other intention in endorsing and supporting him. My sole motivation in endorsing KND is my firm desire for our dignified long-awaited return to our homeland.
Upcoming 2021 Sikyong election
Since our first general election for Kalon Tripa in 2001, the overall learning curve of the Tibetan community on the practice of democracy in exile has been an upward trend. However, just as infants learn to walk by falling several times, there were some worrying trends, particularly during the third (2016) general election for Sikyong. I hope we have learned our lesson now.
Now that the second term of incumbent Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay is coming to an end, our exile community is getting prepared to vote for the next Sikyong and Chithues [Members of Parliament]. Democracy as a form of government is meaningless without vote, and vote without careful analysis puts democracy in peril. For instance, the Nazi Party became the largest political party in the 1932 national parliamentary elections in Germany.
Ever since I started voting, I have taken my voting privilege and responsibility with utmost seriousness, and have always voted out of my conviction rather than the influence of others. I have often voted for Sikyong candidates outside my cholka [province] as long as the candidate meets the criteria that are important for the office. The candidate’s phayul [place of birth] does not count even a bit in the framework of my analysis. A careful study of the experiences of different exile political entities in the past will show you that factionalism within the exile community is the worst obstacle to attaining exile’s primary political aspiration. I am acutely aware of this danger and always refrain from getting involved in such internal schisms. I firmly believe that we all should do the same if we genuinely desire our dignified return to Tibet soon.
My four parameters
In my framework for choosing the right candidate for the post of Sikyong, there are four key parameters that I consider to be the most important: (1) Whether or not the candidate’s political stand aligns with that of His Holiness’ vision of Tibet; (2) The candidate’s ability to retain the loyalty of Tibetans inside and unity of Tibetan outside Tibet; (3) The candidate’s ability to garner international support for the Tibetan cause; (4) The candidate’s organizational skills to run the functioning of CTA effectively.
Who is my Sikyong candidate and why?
Albeit with differences in duration, I had the privilege of having working relationships with most of the Sikyong candidates for 2021, and personally knew other candidates that I did not have a working relationship with. I know that all of them are highly-capable individuals with unwavering commitment for the future of Gangchenpa. This makes my task a little bit difficult to come down to one candidate. After careful consideration, I decided to go with Kasur Ngodup Dongchung as my candidate for the 2021 Sikyong election. I will try to reason out why KND is my 2021 Sikyong candidate based on the four key parameters that I stated earlier.
First parameter: His Holiness’ vision of Tibet and Kasur Ngodup Dongchung
Given the facts that His Holiness is in his advancing age and that the winning candidate may be running CTA till 2030 (if we are not able to return to Tibet), the need for a new Sikyong who thoroughly understands the vision of His Holiness is critical beyond description. Among visible Sikyong candidates, none can claim more years of service to the CTA and His Holiness than Kasur ND. For most of his life, beginning when he graduate with honors in political science from Delhi University in 1977, KND has served CTA and His Holiness with utmost dedication and sincerity, and continues to do so. Because of his lifelong service and commitment to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA, I have full confidence that he understands the vision of His Holiness to the core.
Another important aspect within this parameter is the role of Sikyong as a key individual responsible for the resolution of the issue of Tibet through mutually acceptable negotiation. As one of the longest-serving members of the Taskforce on Sino-Tibetan negotiation, KND’s nuanced understanding of Sino-Tibetan negotiation will be critical when an opportunity for negotiation with arises. Hence, I am of the firm view that KND scores the highest on this first parameter.
Second parameter: Tibetan unity and Ngodup Dongchung
I cannot stress enough the importance of this criterion, i.e., the candidate’s ability to retain the loyalty of Tibetans inside and unity of Tibetan outside Tibet. There are two components in this criterion: (1) Loyalty of Tibetans inside Tibet and (2) the Unity of Tibetans outside Tibet (in exile). While both are important, the first one is the central pillar of our struggle. If loyalties of Tibetans inside Tibet are no longer with exile Tibetan establishment, there is no basis for our struggle. For that reason, His Holiness always stresses the importance of trust and commitment of Tibetans inside Tibet on His Holiness and the CTA.
Similarly, all the exile Tibetans unanimously agree and often use the phrase “དོན་གྱི་བདག་པོ་གཞིས་ལུས་མི་མང་ཡིན།” [Tibet belongs to Tibetans in Tibet] If one sincerely believes in this sentiment, no other candidate can claim to have a better understanding of Tibetans inside Tibet than KND. With his life at risk, KND in 1983 undertook a secret mission to Tibet to institute communication between underground Tibetan activists in Tibet and CTA. Many of these contacts continue to this day.
From the exile entity’s point of view, this insider-outsider nexus is central to achieving the exile’s political goal. I cannot think of any better indicator for a candidate’s association with Tibetans inside Tibet then the support for the candidate from former political prisoners. If you are an intelligent observer of current Sikyong candidates, you will see that the candidate with the highest number of supporters who were former political prisoners in Tibet will surely be KND.
The second component of the second criterion is ‘unity of Tibetans outside Tibet (in exile)’. In recent times, we have had a few incidents in our exile community that make all of us worried and often emotionally distressed. There is no point in blaming one or another. However, we must keep the lesson that we have learned from those experiences, and look forward to a future where our struggle is devoid of factionalism, mainly based on one’s phayul [region]. I am confident that KND will lead us toward that end.
Third parameter: Ability to garner international support for our cause
Let me be honest here — this, I believe, is not KND’s strongest point. At the same time, it is also unrealistic to expect a perfect Sikyong candidate who has all the necessary skill sets. I am not sure such candidates exist at all in any part of the democratic world. Regardless, in the grand scale of things, I do not see that this will be much of an issue, because all the critical matters related to our struggle (domestic or international) are thoroughly discussed in bi-weekly Kashag meetings. Consequently, his many years of experience as Kalon have equipped him with a thorough understanding of our struggle in both domestic and international contexts.
Fourth parameter: Organizational skills to run CTA effectively
While working for CTA for over 40 years (and counting), KND has worked in different capacities and levels. In the process of his long service, all his associates and colleagues speak highly of him. His honesty, sincerity, and down-to-earth nature have won him many friends, particularly among many of India’s intelligence and political communities who are critical in forming India’s policy toward the exile Tibetan community. If you know anyone who worked under or with him at CTA, do ask them about him, and you will know what kind of a person KND is.
In a nutshell, if anyone finds any inaccuracy or trace of dishonesty in my write-up, I sincerely welcome your corrections/suggestions. However, if you find my argument convincing, I urge you to use your precious vote wisely and support Kasur Dongchung Ngodup for the upcoming Sikyong election. Bod Gyal lo!
About the author
Tsewang Rigzin is a Research Fellow at Columbia University Population Research Center and Doctoral student of Social Policy at Columbia University. He is also the author of a bi-lingual book, Exile Tibetan Community: Problems and Prospects, published by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 2016.
Kaydor is tall, dark and handsome. He will compete with political hunks like Justin Trudeu, and make the world believe Tibetans are good-looking people.
He will not look out of place in any public forum, and with any world leader.
He already looks out of place in Dharamsala amongst all the Tibetans, so I don’t think he could do any better elsewhere. Maybe in his next life when he’s reborn as a person with integrity.
Only Kaydor is the most immature among all the current sikyong candidates. All other candidates are running a respectable and decent campaign promoting themselves and not denigrating others. Let’s first learn to be a decent Tibetan before hoping to lead the public.
@Chime
Spot on!
Ngodup la must rise on his own and come out as a fighter with a national policy and agenda. His 40 years of sincere service will reward him fairly and Tibetans from all regions including new arrivals will support him in high numbers.
Trusting people like Kunga Tashi and Tsewang Rigzin is only making Ngodup la look regionalist and a weak leader who relies on narcissists and opportunists from the very get go. Ngodup la must also keep distance from supporters who used testimonies of current CTA employee in campaign videos, which is illegal.
For the posts that compare Kaydor Aukatsang to Ngodup la or any other Sikyong candidates, I say this.
Kaydor risked the safety of HH in the wake of Shugden issue and humiliated us all by walking HH by the dumpster exit. He took down HH’s photo and replaced it with his boss LS. Who is his ONE LEADER? Kaydor lacks that macroscopic geopolitical perspective of a seasoned statesman and has no comprehensive policy of national significance. What is his ONE NATION? Kaydor feeds on regionalism. Look at the type of people that support him and the way the animosity is fuelled. Who are his ONE PEOPLE? Kaydor got his post for free from his friend and mentor LS and has more stories of shady and sleazy business like his father than of hardships. What is his ONE STRUGGLE?
Kaydor is no match for Ngodup la or any other candidates who have proven years of experience. If only Kaydor and the candidate from Ladakhi survive at the end, then I will think.
K Gyalpo la, thought this clarification should be made. I checked the testimonials website. The ones written by those associated with CTA are all former employees. No one mentioned there currently works for the CTA. In case you were not up to date on this, I want to make it clear here so that those reading the comment section would not be misled.
Tashi Wangdue is my candidate for sikyong. He sounds the most practical and his views are absolutely innovative. He has elegantly rubbished Lobsang Sangay’s ‘ Self-Reliance’ slogan, saying he was proudly bragging about begging million of dollars from US govt.
I read all the 53 comments. Then, I read for the second time searching for any positive message that would contribute to the cause of Tibetans to liberate themselves from the Chinese occupation. Unfortunately, I could see only bitterness and criticism between the Tibetans. This is not good at all. Only the present Chinese government will feel happy about such animosity between the Tibetans.
I appeal to all the Tibetans in exile to stop making allegations and focus their entire attention to the much needed cause of liberating Tibet. Now, the conditions are slowly developing in favour of Tibet’s cause. When people like me who is not a Tibetan feel so concerned about the future of Tibet and importance of protecting the Tibetan culture and tradition, why are Tibetans in exile quarrelling between themselves? Please stop this. Let there not be any campaign about one candidate or the other. Let each candidate publish why he is contesting (manifesto) and let everyone read that and take their own decisions. At this stage, Tibetans cannot afford “chaotic democracy”.
I am sure that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will approve my sentiments and would feel as unhappy as me about the commensts that are being made between Tibetans about themselves.
As an Utsang, I subscribe to Mila Rangzen’s view that Penpa Tsering will steal vote from Ngodup Dongchung. So as Amdo chithue Sharchok Khugta said, Penpa Tsering should withdraw from the Sikyong race. The reason is 90% of Tibetans who voted Lobsang Sangay in 2016 will never vote for PT. Society is divided along PT vs LS camps, and these two groups are like two parties of USA.
Just as a Democrat won’t vote any Republican, LS voter will never vote PT. But some will still vote for Ngodup.
Just curious – suddenly there are some Tibetans commenting from UK here. Usually England Tibetans are so quiet and uninvolved. Welcome to political geeks club!
Dongchung Ngodup la is a great public servant for CTA. But his long years of service is just a number. We can’t have a Sikyong who is raised up in the small world of Dharamshala, like a frog in the well. If he couldn’t do much in his 40 plus years in CTA, what else he can achieve in four years of Sikyong term?
What is his track record? He is tight lipped on almost everything. He does not think for himself, he is being influenced by those orthodox left wing of exile establishment.
He issues no policy manifesto of what he can do. I won’t blindly support him because he served in CTA for all these years. We need fresh face like Kaydor, relatively outsider but he has the best of two world – the experience of The Tibet World and International World. The time has come for Tibetan younger generation to take up the lead of our movement – Kaydor la is the one.
It was Kaydor la who purchased the grand, imposing Office of Tibet in Washington DC. Before office of Tibet doesn’t have a building to call our own. The building now owned by CTA worth millions of dollars. Kaydor la doesn’t talk much, but he is a great strategist and diplomat. Tall and handsome, most of well known longtime Tibet supporter American senators are very close with Kaydor la.
He can brings energy, vitality and changes to our movement! He is the most qualified candidate.
Kaydor la will be the mover and shaker. Let him be the 2021 Sikyong.
We have seen enough of such arrogance and idiocy in the last ten years under certain special advisor. Not anymore! Let us breathe!
Goodness. Where to begin with all these false assertions?
Kaydor did NOT purchase the building. He BORROWED money, taking out a $1.5 million loan from the Tibet Fund. When he learned that he couldn’t use US aid money to repay the loan, he & his buddy Lobsang Sangay forced Lobsang Nyandak of the Tibet Fund to convert the loan into a grant. What does this mean? It means that the two committed fraud by cooking the book. What should have been a huge liability issue for CTA auditors magically disappeared overnight.
Just look at Kaydor’s track record. When push comes to shove, his strategy is to pass the problem onto the next person. Ask any Tibetan in NorCal about his time as president of the community. The man took out a huge loan to finance the community building and then left, causing a huge burden for the community to pay it off.
So no more fresh face, please. We had one for the past 10 years and all that man cared about was visiting the US and Europe every few months on taxpayer money & giving grand speeches without an ounce of understanding of how to administer, delegate, and execute policies–something a chief executive should be doing.
The US had a fresh face in Donald Trump since 2016 & Americans have been vomiting everyday since then. But as there is a Joe Biden, there is also a Ngodup Dongchung.
I can write so much on Dongchung’s accomplishments, but I’m running out of space. But note–being tall & handsome won’t get you far; maybe if you’re building a career in Hollywood (or Bollywood). Neither will showcasing a shiny piece of paper or fancy website.
You may not support Dongchung, but please don’t distort facts.
Hello Dolma Tsering,
You need to be fair and objective in assessing someone’s achievements. There is not an iota of truth about that $.1.5 million fund being a loan or embezzled. It is already being debunked numerous time including Tibet Fund itself issued a statement. Office of Tibet, never had to pay that back. For book keeping issues, it had to be reported in certain way. In a nutshell, if there is no Sikyong and Kaydor la, Office of Tibet will never be able to own the Washington building. You go there, and you will be very proud of what an amazing facilities in the heart of America’s capital. It is all about long term strategy and farsighted vision of Kaydor and Sikyong. None of the previous North America Representatives have either not thought or did not have the ability to buy an office building to call own. Sikyong and Kaydor la did, and now whoever comes in, you never have to worry about being kicked out by your landlord. This million-dollar physical space/building belongs to CTA, and it is amazing investment, that brings some dividend. This is one of Kaydor’s achievement. Then look at how much Kaydor worked to bring overseas Tibetan youth and retired back to Dharamshala to serve as Dangshab, or volunteers. It was such a great idea and he implemented it, so that now we have the space for all those who are interested to serve CTA in whatever capacity. Kaydor la walks the talk, his vision of having Tibet’s own commercial bank is brilliant. He toured the west and persuaded hundreds of Tibetans to take stake in this his dream project. He is going to make it happen, if elected Sikyong 2021. I really want all Tibetan youth to critically analyze the candidate’s competence and their concrete past achievements. Kaydor la is a trailblazer, he is the silent…
@ Kalsang Dolma
Ok. Let’s do some digging. Read Tibet Fund’s 2014 financial report first:
https://tibetfund.org/docs/Report2014.pdf
On pg. 24, do you see $1.5 million in loan receivable under assets? The is the first time this amount appeared in Tibet Fund’s financial records, the same year Kaydor moved Office of Tibet from NY to DC. By listing it as an asset, Tibet Fund expects the loan to be repaid. This means somewhere in CTA’s audit report, the $1.5 million HAS to show up as a liability.
In the 2015 and 2016 reports, the loan receivable was STILL at $1.5 million.
But in the 2017 financial report, on pg. 25, the loan receivable actually INCREASED to $1.7 million:
https://tibetfund.org/docs/2017report.pdf
Now here’s the kick. In the 2018 report, on pg. 4, the loan receivable decreased to $950,000. This means someone paid off part of the loan. $750,000 to be exact ($1.7 million – $950,000). So who mysteriously paid $750,000 between 2017 and 2018?
https://tibetfund.org/docs/2018report.pdf
More importantly, if Kaydor and CTA didn’t have to pay back the loan, why was it then sitting in Tibet Fund’s financial report as LOAN RECEIVABLE for FIVE YEARS (2014-2018)? Why would Tibet Fund lie and inflate its assets to auditors if it doesn’t expect the loan to be repaid at the outset?
People like Kaydor make me sick. And you want to talk about Dangshab program? As I write this, he is using the mailing lists of government programs like Dangshab to send unsolicited emails to overseas Tibetans who’ve taken part in the program. Many have privately complained to me as this is a SERIOUS VIOLATION OF CAMPAIGN RULES and creates conflict of interest.
Forget about commercial bank. I wouldn’t even want the man sniffing around my pocket, let…
Dolma Tsering, you hate Kaydor so much that your judgement is clouded by your prejudice and biasness. The end justified the means. The paper evidence is nothing, the truth lies beneath and everyone knows it. If you dare to dig out, show the last statement from Tibet Fund, that clarifies everything.
in paper it has to say loan, but in reality, it is grant, period. Sikyong gets it done for the people of Tibet. You are holding to the paper statement and making a mountain out of a molehill. There is nothing that can implicate Kaydor la and Sikyong from that transaction.
Rather it cost Penpa Tsering’s office of Tibet seat, for his half baked knowledge and unnecessary foul cry.
The Office of Tibet building is safely secured now, and it belongs to the Tibetan people including you.
we owe a sense of gratitude to Kaydor la and Sikyong to make our future prosperous by laying this foundation. You are such a ungrateful brat. You are completely blind to the facts, and very pretentious, so I will not waste my time anymore, and as you are not worthy to rebutt anymore.
Wow. Evidence is clear as day. Investigative journalism at its best.
I have seen Kungo Ngodup la as a decent and respectable official in Dharamshala. But the way his supporters like Tamding Tso tries to unnecessarily lionize Kungo Ngodup la and have the last word on every discussion is truly off-putting and makes me want to support other candidates.
I wouldn’t say lioninzing. It’s just the comments here. Folks are unnecessarily commenting on Ngodup Dongchung’s physical features and targeting the personal characteristics of him and his supporters rather than contributing to a nuanced policy debate about what Dongchung stands for and his strengths and weaknesses.
Naturally, a strong supporter would defend his or her candidate of choice against political smears.
After all, this is the opinion section and the focus of the article is Ngodup Dongchung. So the conversation is bound to get heated!
@Chime and Tamding Tso,
I understand the defense against any sort of personal slander which is unrelated to Sikyong campaign. All I wanted to say was that all the six candidates are not newbies to the Tibetan community, but rather fairly known. People know exactly what Kungo Ngodup la is and who Kaydor la is. No amount of slander against and praise of Kungo Ngodup can sway people like me from believing in the goodness and decency of Kungo Ngodup la.
I absolutely endorse all the statements made here by Tsewang Rigzin and Tamding Tso in support of Sikyong candidate Dongchung Ngodup.
Here I would also make it clear that Dongchung Ngodup resigned from his earlier Kashag post not because he was not able to shoulder the responsibility of the post rather Lobsang Sangay caused huge division within the Tibetan community and Dongchung took the moral high ground by resigning from his post and didn’t want to be part of that controversy. The Tibetans must be grateful that Dongchung has this moral rectitude for giving up the post then and not smooch up Lobsang Sangay. Dekyi Choeyang did the same out of full knowledge of how Lobsang Sangay was such a divisive figure and a egomaniac working very closely with him.
Dongchung Ngodup is not campaigning for the Sikyong post and it is polar opposite of other candidates for he is running by over whelming requests from large number of his supporters from within Tibet and outside. In 2001 and again in 2006 Samdhong Rinpoche didn’t do a single day of campaigning and yet won the elections with huge landslides. Although Dongchung is not comparable to Samdhong yet there is a chance that he would get huge number of votes for sure.
Knowing all the ins and outs of all the candidates for a long time now, Dongchung is the most fit for the job of Sikyong and no one matches close to him. I guarantee it.
Khampa Warrior,
Your guarantee? Haha…
I will vote for any sikyong candidates or pay anyone working for CTA through rangzen ladhep, if that chosen one is not either penpa Tsering or donchung or nyandak. They all have pandara of boxes full with lies, cheat and favoritism. If any one of them is elected as Sikyong, then i will rip off my rangzen book in protest for three years.
@Gonpo Dorjee, Rangzen Lagdhep is not a tax. It is voluntary contribution made by Tibetans for thier own cause. It is not like citizen in free world paying thier tax to run thier government. It is definitely not something to boast about if you are paying your contribution. The percentage of total contribution recieved from Rangzen Lagdhep is a small share in total expenditure of CTA. It is by no means enough to pay salary for all CTA staff. If you are kind of person who boast about paying your own share for our own future, I think you better not pay it. As for the vote, you can vote for anyone who you like.
I dropped out of Darjeeling school after 10th std to help my parents business. I remember Lobsang Sengey. When I see his maturity and leadership qualities, I wonder how he got elected. I feel I can do better than him in everything. Please don’t talk about your PHD degrees anymore. I can see all the smart even younger ladies and all men are making fun of you right now. I have no regrets for not continuing my education when I see your standards. I think all the people whose IQ are below average have voted for you. So no more younger generation idiots for Sikyong candidates for now.
@ Dorgee lama
What a wonderful personal story with no substantive contribution to the debate on the upcoming election. In case you’re not aware, neither Lobsang Sangay nor Tsewang Rigzin are running for Sikyong.
Great point on not letting idiots run for public office. I agree. Thank god 10 years of failure and idiocy is coming to an end.
And I do think we need more Tibetan students pursuing PhDs like Tsewang Rigzin 🙂
People of Utsang will be very disappointed if either Dhongchung Ngodup or Penpa Tsering doesn’t opt out from the election. Their votebank is near identical. When Penpa Tsering fought Lobsang Sangay, there wasn’t much of a gap in vote numbers.
What is confirmed is 90% of the Tibetans who voted Lobsang Sangay will vote Gyari Dolma or Kaydor Aukatsang. Whoever wins the first round will get the other candidate’s votes in the final round, unless the gap is very small. If the gap is very small between Gyari and Kaydor, like 10%, then Lobsang Sangay party members will vote Gyari Dolma in. Gyari Dolma is an establishment candidate whereas Kaydor is neither in nor out. Gyari will tackle PT or Dongchung better if their vote numbers are similar.
Other candidates are obviously ignored because nobody expects them to get over to the final round. They are just there to excercise their democratic right.
I think Tibetans are slowly beginning to wake up to a new consciousness, somewhat akin to the unprecedented scenario unfolding in India post Sushant Singh’s death. Therefore, surprising results and unexpected candidates may shake the previous status quo and dismantle the long-held politicking game among exile Tibetans. I am quite excited by the interesting mix of candidates this time.
Things like honesty and loyalty to Dalai Lama and 30+ service to CTA don’t necessarily make a candidate worthwhile. Choosing candidates on such parameters is what we call tribal politics based on personalities.
If you go for a nursing job interview, is it enough to say I am honest and dedicated? Will that get you hired?
In today’s world, a candidate needs a clear overall policy direction. He needs to have a manifesto. So far, only Kaydor Aukatsang has produced a manifesto.
I don’t mind gyari dolma or dongchung winning, but feisty penpa tsering is a big no no. His style of rhetoric is too partisan, and divisive. He will undo everything Lobsang Sangay has done in 10 years, and turn all extant policies upside down due to their intense dislike of each other both personally and professionally. We can’t risk such huge upheaval PT will unleash.
@ Tsering
Exactly, Tsering la from France. If you are a new nurse going to a job interview, the nurse manager will not just look at your resume–anyone can fake that. Rather, the interviewer will evaluate your practical clinical skills and training. The interviewer will check your references and verify your strength and weaknesses from your former employers and colleagues.
So in the context of this election, Kaydor Aukatsang producing a fancy document is really meaningless. Who is out there vouching for his candidacy? Only a handful of Internet trolls recycling his manifesto.
Whereas for Ngodup Dongchung–look at the website that his SUPPORTERS created for him [https://ngodupdongchung.com]; look at all the former CTA officials, academics, activists, and NGO leaders vouching for his candidacy.
Sadly, in this day and age, many in our communities dismiss the values of honesty and committment to public service and choke on sour grapes. Whether you are a nurse or a Sikyong, these values are the bedrock of a healthy society and define who we are as Tibetans. Everyting else follows.
I do not agree with Gyari Dolma la, emotional immature even though she worked in CTA administration. Ngodup la or Penpa Tsering is fit for Sikyong post. Penpa Tsering is man of integrity, truthful and competent to lead our Nation according to HH the Dalai Lama vision.
If it weren’t for their meritorious services towards the community at large, the current Sikyong candidates wouldn’t run in the first place. So all of them, from Tashi Topgyal to Arya Yeshi Phuntsok, are deserving of some accolades. There is always but. If we need Emmanuel Macron style, Imran Khan style, Justin Trudeau style, then, I am not too wrong to say we need a fresh face like Kaydor Aukatsang for Sikyong 2021. I mean, the current Kashag has already spoken of 5-50 vision, so we have lots of time in our hands to test the water. If he does well in the first term, assuming he sweeps the preliminary like his friend Sangay, we can have him for the next.
Sorry, Respectfully I do not agree with your Candidate Kaydor for Sikyong. He has no experience, no vision and his post been created by LS, his friend. If you remember he replaced His Holiness picture with LS at Office of Tibet. He may be son of Jampa Khaden, Commander of Est 22, JK has no vision but follow the order. Our Tibetan Army who were discharge never got the pension.
I agree with what Dhondup from UK said. We need a candidate who can continue the legacy of current Sikyong, not someone who will undo it like Penpa Tsering. Look closely and carefully without prejudging, Kaydor la is a candidate who has a clear policy agenda. None of the other has any clear policy, Penpa Tsering said he will be honest and truthful, that is very weak and vague statement, there is nothing substantive he said in his one hour long live show when announcing his candidacy. Kaydor la in 7 minutes put out his agenda to the public in clear terms.
We need a candidate who himself or herself should be 100% willing and able to run. And will work hard to fulfill it. You should not depend on your supporters to run. Dongchung is running because others urge him to do. So it speaks volume that he has no plan. Are Dongchung going to let his supporter run the administration? He takes no initiative, that is not a good candidate. You have to lead not your supporter leading you! That is exactly what Dongchung is.
Like father like son, Kaydor’s dad was a leading commander, Jampa Kaden, in India’s establishment 22. India is acknowledging their roles in liberating Bangladesh and many other achievements openly. His dad too was security boss of CTA. So the Kaydor family has a long and deep rooted history of honorable service to Tibet cause. My Sikyong 2021 is Kaydor la, he is the youngest and most energetic, most creative, most competent one.
@ Dhondup
Look at you pretending to be someone else and commenting on your own post. Ngodup Dongchung and Penpa Tsering don’t need to go around begging for votes like Kaydor—their action and commitment speak for themselves. No wonder their supporters are rallying around them. Do you see the same with Kaydor’s?
And Kaydor needs to stop using his father’s name to boost his low credibility. No doubt the late Jampa Kalden la did much good for the Tibetan cause. But his son is the one running for public office, not him. By your logic, Osama Bin Laden was also “energetic, creative, and competent.” His family is one of the most influential in Saudi Arabia. And look at what his creativity and competency led to.
If Kaydor’s commitment is deeply rooted in the Tibetan struggle, why only return to the scene now? Why not serve in the CTA as a civil servant? Where was he all these years after graduating from college and living the fun life in the US and Switzerland?
Please. No more continuation of Lobsang Sangay’s legacy. No more fake campaign promises of having His Holiness return to Tibet. No more fake campaign promises of producing 100,000 Tibetan professionals. No more unnecessary and lavish quarterly Sikyong trips (business class flights, by the way) to the West funded by taxpayer money. Focus less on the supremacy of the Sikyong. Empower your Cabinet. Delegate. That is what a Sikyong should be doing. And that is what Ngodup Dongchung will do.
Just have Kaydor return the $1.5 million dollars of taxpayer money and let him retire to the high mountains of Switzerland.
Kaydor should stop promoting himself as the “youngest” and the “most competent one”. Kaydor is 52 years old, only one year younger than Penpa Tsering, 2 years younger than Lobsang Nyandak, and 4 years younger than Gyari Dolma. He is the same age range as most of the 2021 Sikyong candidates. Tashi Wangdu is the youngest at 48 years.
How can one call oneself “competent”? Isn’t this certificate something that is to be given and judged by others?
As someone said somewhere in this discussion forum, electorates are voting for Ngodup Dongchung and not his supporters. Similarly, Tibetans will be voting Kaydor and not his deceased father. so, please don’t bring irrelevant stuff in campaign.
I do not agree with your candidate, DNG is a decent and dedicated public servant, that does [not] make him qualified for Sikyong. Moreover he [didn’t] come out with his Ideas/Vision and forward thinking ideas. I go with Tsoksur Penpa Tsering la, who has Vision/ideas/forward thinking which align with HH the Dalai Lama. Moreover he is interested and came out publicly as a Sikyong candidate. We should give a chance one term and assess his achievements.
This article is not even worthy of rebuttal. Transliteration of Kunga Tashi’s dictation. All fakes.
Not worthy or you can’t because it’s all true and Ngodup Dongchung is the best candidate out there?
And what’s the deal with tying Kunga Tashi into everything related to Ngodup Dongchung? I’m aware that the two worked in the same department for many years but please–it is Ngodup Dongchung who is running, not Kunga Tashi.
Even if you can’t produce logical arguments related to the election, please refrain from attacking people’s characters.
Everybody knows Dongchung Ngodup is happy where he is and does not have Sikyong aspirations. It is only opportunists like Kunga Tashi who is pushing him to run for Sikyong so that plump positions in return will befall. Kunga Tashi’s dirty politics in this whole drama is more to do with himself and some other agendas than in his sincere belief in the capabilities of Dongchung Ngodup as Sikyong. Don’t try to hogwash everything. People are fools no more.
@ Pedor
So many Kunga Tashi fans here. Maybe every candidate should have their own Kunga Tashis who truly believe in their candidacy. I see nothing wrong with people like Kunga Tashi standing up for a candidate with integrity like Ngodup Dongchung and willing to take criticism for doing so.
By the way, ‘befall’ has a negative connotation attached to the word’s meaning. Makes one wonder who the real fool is here.
@Pedor: For Tibetan voters, this is the time to choose between Kunga Tashi backed (as you stated) Kasur Dongchung Ngodup or Trulku Ugyen Topgyal backed Kaydor (Lobsang Sangay cadre) for the next Sikyong. You are right, “People are fools no more”.
@Bhugay nangchen: Yes, our common enemy is Chinese communist regime, but this is Tibetan Sikyong race in exile, CCP has no role in it. However, in our exile community there definitely are cabals who intentionally calumnies against His Holiness the Dalai Lama and then “Tibetan Exiled government” through multiple channels, and I believe these behaviors are more dangerous than our common enemy. Think about the recent event of Tulku Ugyen Topgyal’s baseless criticism toward His Holiness the Dalai Lama and LS Kashag’s shameful responses on that. This is definitely not the first time he has engaged in such act, and been doing it for years! Ugyen Topgyal has backed Lobsang Sangay during 2011 Kalon Tripa election and again in 2016 election, and now Kaydor is also campaigning to become LS’s successor, and we should know who is behind all of it. This is really a high time and important that Tibetan voters caste their vote responsibly and not work towards empowering Ugen Topgyal, who is a disgrace to our Tibetan community. Thats why, although its not about KT vs OT, see how its impacting Tibetan cause, so isn’t it better to vote for Kunga Tashi backed (per Pedor) Kasur Ngodup Dongchung for the next Sikyong than OT backed Kaydor?
Kunga Tashi versus Ugyen Topgyal? I thought our common enemy is Chinese communist regime.
Lobsang Sangay’s handling of nearly every issue during his term has been disappointing. When he was first elected, all the voters that genuinely care about His Holiness and the well being of Tibet were shocked to see his victory.
When he won the second term primary, then all the people who again both truly care about Tibet, and can intelligently evaluate a good leader for Tibet, were shocked. Many of them went to appeal to the greater Tibetan population that they were making a mistake. That they were supporting an incompetent Sikyong with no moral character. In his recent speech during the 60th Tibetan Democracy Day, he discouraged against voters using their voices to criticize candidates. This is not about any kind of factional loyalty or cholka, this is about trying to avoid facing the realities of your failures as an elected official, which is key to a functioning democracy.
Even in the US, when the wrong politician is in power, their own party will voice their disapproval, as seen by Donald Trump and his lack of support from major Republican politicians. As the US had never seen a president like Trump before, so too had so many Republicans never come out against their own party member in history.
In spite of this, why is the Sikyong stating (on Democracy Day, no less), “Let the winner win”?
I very much want to support Dongchung Ngodup and Gyari Dolma for Sikyong because former is a decent public servant and the later is a woman. Despite my best efforts to get convinced by their capabilities as Sikyong, I fail to see them as Sikyong. I still wish to give them more time to impress me. At this stage, Kaydor, Lobsang Nyandak, and Penpa Tsering are more interesting as sikyong candidates.
Respectfully, if your definition of “impress” is a shiny website full of photo ops with celebrities and unrealistic campaign promises, then I really don’t know what to say.
I would encourage you to withhold your judgment for a few more months, at least until the preliminaries or debate season.
And please don’t consider Gyari Dolma as a candidate just because she is a woman–I believe that is just one part of her unique candidacy.
Of course, it is fair for Tashi from Dharamshala to withhold his judgment particularly with regard to Ngodup Dongchung. Of all the Sikyong aspirants, he is the only one who has not made any formal declaration to run for Sikyong. Other aspirants are at least making the effort to introduce themselves, share their agendas, and campaign for their election giving option for people to make informed decisions. Here, the main protagonist himself has not uttered a single word of interest, let alone sharing his vision and plans for Tibet. Are Tibetan electorates expected to make voting decisions on Ngodup Dongchung based on what some Tom, Dick and Harry says about him? Are we electing him as a Sikyong or those people who endorse him? Please be logical and don’t get all defensive when people questions such weird situation.
@ Gonpo Tsering
Yes, you are proving my point, sir. I am requesting Mr. Tashi from Dharamshala to withhold his judgment of Ngodup Dongchung and Gyari Dolma until the campaign season is in full swing–when candidates come out with their platforms and policy stances. It is too early now in the election cycle to choose one candidate over the other!
Between Ngodup Donchung and Gyari Dolma, I believe Gyari Dolma will be a better candidate. Though I can’t say the same about Gyari if we put in all the candidates in one place together. I appreciate Ngodup la’s long service and his nice temperament, but his career graph is unilateral with specific focus primarily in the security matters. Being in his mid-sixties and also the oldest among all the Sikyong candidates, hope his health and age will allow him to lead us through another 10 years if elected Sikyong.
if dongchung ngodup can’t handle the complex responsiblities of one department (Security) and had to resign in 2016, how can he handle a task which is 700% times harder as president has to oversee all. He is someone who easily gives up when things go wrong. When he resigned in 2016, other ministers stayed on, and improved themselves to serve the Tibetan people further, and learning from their mistakes.
If Dongchung Ngodup becomes sikyong, and one minister, or he himself makes a mistake, he will resign. What purpose does it serve?
In sum: a person who can’t lift the weight of one brick (department), then he can’t lift seven bricks (seven departments).
@dhundup tsering
A man who gives up easily when things go wrong? No.
A man who has the dignity to resign and let go of everything when the integrity of the government is undermined? Yes.
Ngodup Dongchung has been with the CTA since the 70s, when the exile community was going through its hardest years and many CTA officials were migrating to the US/Europe for their own comfort. Why didn’t he give up then and move to the West?
Ngodup Dongchung did not resign out of hardship of work. Resignation is one of the most powerful resources for people of integrity. And this is precisely why Ngodup Donchung resigned on moral grounds–-he could not be part of a government (Cabinet to be more precise) that sowed discord in the diaspora community and remained silent on factional disarray.
Ngodup Dongchung did not resign because “things went wrong” or he couldn’t handle “complex responsibilities.” He resigned because he is a man of principle; a man whose conscience approves his conduct and drives his actions.
Rather, the question you should be asking is–why didn’t the other Kalons resign with him when Lobsang Sangay enabled tribalism and pit groups of people against each other? Because those Kalons feared criticism and not being able to put food on their table.
If you still think Ngodup Dongchung gives up easily, why did Lobsang Sangay appoint him as His Holiness’ representative in New Delhi after his resignation, a job that carries equal responsibilities as a minister’s, if not more?
In sum: an outstanding civil servant who has lifted up the Tibetan people for 40+ years and counting.
Dongchung will do all the necessary work behind the scenes. But the issue is – he has no ability to command a huge crowd, no ability to use emotive rhetorics to arouse mass emotions of patriotism, no sense of humour to emotionally connect to citizens.
The chair of a president doesn’t stop at political skills and integrity – one also needs charisma, oratory skills, and brinkmanship. Dongchung Ngodup lacks showmanship. He is more suited to spy works or intelligence gathering rather a very public office which requires a multitude of skills like a Hollywood actor. His honesty might well count against him.
And how exactly do you know that Ngodup Dongchung can’t bring people together? Do you think Samdhong Rinpoche was John Wayne-ing around Dharamshala, commanding huge crowds and cracking jokes to connect with citizens when he was Kalon Tripa? And yet his Sikyong years were the most stable in exile political history, considering the potential of huge societal upheaval when exile democracy was going through major changes under his leadership.
Even if the four parameters are important, KND has zero credibility on the fourth parameter. Regarding international support, that is not his strength, he has done nothing on that. Never saw him speak in English or written anything in English. Some one who can gain international support for Tibet, should be fluent in English and has the flair for writing and great mastery of the language. Since the English language competency is so important, I see Kaydor Aukatsang as the unbeatable best candidate on international support. Look at Kaydor la’s website and his recent statements when announcing his candidacy. Whatever he does is meticulous and professional. Image that Sikyong has to be a charismatic figure with excellent communication skills. KND has none of those. His face is dotted with many big black moles and he has a husky voice. How can someone like that can draw international attention. kND is best fit to be a Kalon for Security, for which he run away in the face of a crisis. If KND becomes the Sikyong, he will maintain the status quo and he will keep those old rotten guards in Dharamshala. He will not drain the swamp. We need a young and energetic and visionary leader who can bring changes and that is Kaydor.
@Tenzin Dhonden: Are you looking for an English teacher or do you think this is a webpage designing competition, or even a beauty contest? Well, wake up! This is a Sikyong platform and if you are looking for above qualities (fair complexion, beautiful voice etc etc), this is not the right place. I don’t blame you for admiring Kaydor so much as you may be incompetent yourself when it comes to English language and computer skill. Sigh..
If you want to talk about Tibetan Sikyong candidate, let me preach you. Have you ever heard of Russian President Putin speaking in English? or then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s write in English? Not a big deal but I have heard Donchung Ngodup speak in English fluently on many occasions and seen his articles in english too. Surprise surprise! Again to remind you, we are looking for a Tibetan Sikyong who has good command over Tibetan language and knows our culture, definitely not a hippy like Kaydor somewhere from USA. As mentioned by the author TR, Kasur DN definitely meets all of the listed parameters.
Everyone is applauding Kasur DN’s 40 years of successful service in the CTA and I think that is far more important than just an International support. Are we lacking international support? No! His Holiness’s years of hard work has rendered enough international support. What we are lacking at this point is a leader who is strong, accountable, reliable and someone who can unite the current divided Tibetan society. Kasur DN is the only candidate who can stop people like Kaydor and LS who betrayed CTA and Tibetan society for their own interest.
@Tenzin Dhonden – Charismatic [no way]. Kaydor was literally reading from a teleprompter in his campaign videos.
You think Ngodup Dongchung speaks in Tibetan when he meets with international diplomats like US Ambassador Ken Juster and lawmakers like Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit?
Aside from countries like the US and UK where English is the primary langauge, no head of government is elected based on his/her ability to read and write in English (not to mention that Ngodup Dongchung is fluent). The real question is–how is Kaydor’s Tibetan language competency?
People like you who are obsessed with the perfect Sikyong who can “drain the swamp” are the real danger to our hard-earned democracy. Your obsession with individual supremacy over the collective makes you no different than supporters of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
The author’s 4th point is exactly what a Sikyong should do as chief executive of the CTA–empower his/her Cabinet and the independent agencies to fill the skills and policy gaps. Whether it be appointing an outstanding foreign minister or tend to the day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal laws, Ngodup Dongchung will no doubt put together a solid group of professionals.
Your beloved “visionary” leader, Kaydor, had indeed drawn attention–but for different reasons. As head of Office of Tibet to North America, he forced Lobsang Nyandak of the Tibet Fund to convert the $1.5 million loan (used to finance the new building in Washington DC) into a grant because he couldn’t find a way to repay the loan before he left.
So yes, I’d rather wake up to a face full of moles than a pretty one with no heart and integrity.
I totally agree with Tsewang Rigzin on his choice of KND as the Sikyong 2021. I feel that the first two and fourth parameters should be the key in deciding your choice. Dhonden la, don’t be mistaken that we are not recruiting any English teacher here. KND will choose his cabinet and also CTA has its own resources to run the international advocacy campaign. Moreover, KND possess a graduate degree and has more than 40 years of working experience at CTA. His current job as the Representative of His Holiness at Delhi Bureau also demands someone who speaks adequate English. You might not be aware that Representative office of Delhi is the most important among all the Offices of Tibet. It requires him to establish a close diplomatic relation with Govt of India and embassies of more than 100 countries. When he is able to do that and more efficiently than the former representative then why can’t he do good in garnering international support.
You spoke about Kaydor’s website, for that I just want to say “Don’t lose a diamond while chasing a glitter” or to use some common quote “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. To be honest, Kaydor may be better in English but English proficiency does not even comes as a least parameter when deciding about the Sikyong Candidate. Though I don’t want to use Kundun’s name but see Kundun is not proficient in English but millions of people and leaders around the world admires and follows him. Why? It is because of Honesty, values, principle, transparency and reconciliation spirit apart from global message of love, peace and compassion not because of English proficiency.
In a nutshell, I would like to request all to please look beyond these factionalism, favoritism, appearance and least unimportant parameter like English proficiency…
Lobsang from India. You can’t compare His Holiness to Dongchung. Nobody can be compared to His Holiness. He is above all because of His historical role and legitimacy. But His Holiness is very charismatic, and he even said the next Dalai Lama can be a good looking woman. Unless you are the Albert Einstein, looks matter a lot in real life. There will be international media interview and you can’t have an interpreter all the time! And you have to write oped in reputable newspapers and so on. Dr Lobsang Sangay has raised Tibet’s international profile, we need to build up that momentum. Sorry to say Dongchung is not an exciting candidate! He can’t bring any changes to our movement, which is very much needed. Keydor is a candidate who has clearly outlined what he would improve and change, please that. Especially Tibetan youth will get their voice heard loudly and prominently if he is elected.
If Dongchung is elected, the same old politics of cronyism will remain. Let’s move forward, not backward!
It is weird that people start to support Dongchung Ngodup even before he announces his candidacy like others. What he is waiting for? Is he really serious to run?
Or he is playing politics? People need to know his policy platform on which he runs. What he will do, he keeps everyone in the dark as of now, when all others have already announced. He has a past history of giving up easily. I am afraid I can’t support Kasur Dongchong Ngodup, he is not a fighter. What if we elect him and there will be lots of issues and controversy like protest that the current Sikyong faced, Dhongchung wouldn’t be able to live up to it and resign.
Anyone who uses His Holiness to buttress their candidacies is [not good]. All the candidates are extremely loyal and served under His Holiness on various capacities. None of them can survive without be loyal to His Holiness, and it is wise to listen to His Holiness at all time, because he speaks the truth. But His Holiness long advised to work like without him. So don’t bring up His Holiness in debate, it is emotional thing, we need to be rational and realistic.
We should always think of a candidate who can get things done, who will be an inspiration to the youth, who can elevate Tibet’s profile at international level.
@Dawa Tsering – This is called a Public Demand. Dongchung Ngodup doesn’t need to go public and beg for votes. All unbaised voters will definately cast their votes to him. We need a leader with principle and the highest moral character than some one who always fool public with fake promises and divide our society which I think is the result of dirty politics played by some of biased voters like you. But we will not give another chance to you guys this time.
UNITY IS SUCCESS.
Except for His Holiness and probably maybe Samdhong Rinpoche, there is no person who can drive votes without “begging”. Of course, KND might not beg for votes directly, but what about his supporters who do this for him? Isn’t it the same anyways? Regardless of whether one is directly involved in cake-making or indirectly being involved in this cake-making process as the face, ultimately the cake is being made for KND and one cannot take the moral high ground of being different in this than the other candidates.
@Dawa TSering – Respectfully, please note that he did not resign out of hardship of work. The man has been with the CTA since the 70s, when the exile community was going through its hardest decades and many officials were migrating to the US/Europe.
Resignation is one of the most powerful resources for people of integrity. And this is precisely why Ngodup Donchung resigned on moral grounds–he could not be part of a Cabinet that sowed discord in the diaspora community and remained mum about denouncing tribalism.
So no, Ngodup Dongchung doesn’t “give up,”; he sees what others can’t or won’t see.
Prof Samdhong Rinpoche during the years of struggle for a separate Institutional entity for Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Rinpoche always carried his RESIGNATION LETTER with him to office, as then Rinpoche was working under higher Indian authorities and find himself always on loggerhead with VC as Indians do not want to let CHITS separate from VARANASEYA SANSKRIT VISHVAVIDYSLAYA. Once Rinpoche actually tendered his RESIGNATION following a serious difference with his superior and waiting for relieve from his service as the Principal of CIHTS, but the VC had no gut to accept the resignation despite being so critical of Rinpoche’s vision and plans! Present form of Independent CIHTS deemed University owe to Rinpoche and his mentor Dr Kapila Vatsayan, a staunch supporter and admirer of His Holiness the Dalai Lama ànd Tibetan Buddhist Cultural Heritage and a trusted friend and supporter of Rinpoche. She was then the Secretary in Department of Culture and is a well known expert and author of Indian Art and Culture! Unfortunately, we Tibetans – CTA – had not repaid her kindness in the way we should have that Madam deserved! Madam is now in her nineties and still in good health attending talks and programs whenever there is one in Delhi of His Holiness! Wish our Sikyong and CTA authorities read this or hear this and did what is required to be done to express our genuine sense of gratitude and appreciation, for without her patronage and whole-hearted support out of the way, separate entity of CIHTS, would not have realized most probably!