My name is Jyotsna, and I am a young Indian who cares deeply about the values on which our nation was created: freedom, democracy and justice. India’s independence was won through a freedom struggle based on the principles of nonviolence, non-cooperation and civil disobedience. This legacy of resistance has been a source of inspiration for independence struggles all over the world, and continues to motivate our Tibetan brothers and sisters in their freedom struggle.  Tibet and India have shared a peaceful border for many centuries, owing to close cultural and spiritual ties. Following the illegal occupation of Tibet by China, the Indo-Tibet border became one of the most highly militarized in the world. The repeated incursions by Chinese troops on India’s borders, with increasing frequency and confidence, are a serious cause of concern for me as an Indian citizen.

I am sure you will agree that it has been India’s privilege to provide refuge to one of the most deeply revered spiritual leaders of our times, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. India has benefitted greatly from his teachings, and his lifelong commitment to nonviolence and truth, much like our own Mahatma Gandhi.

However, the situation in the homeland of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has only become worse with time. In the last five years, over 130 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest of repressive Chinese policies that stifle basic freedoms like expression, faith and language. More recently, innocent Tibetans were opened fire upon by Chinese authorities during a peaceful protest in Eastern Tibet. The Chinese Communist Party has left no stone unturned in systematically attempting to eradicate Tibetans’ cultural way of life and belief.  

As my Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, I am writing to him to urge him to stand up for our brothers and sisters in Tibet. Tibet preserved the teachings of the Buddha for centuries, and now in their time of need, India needs to stay firm on its principle of freedom. Join me in writing to our Prime Minister to stand up for Tibet, and put Tibet on the table with President Xi Jinping.