Dolma Gyari
Dölma Gyari (born 1964) is a well-known Tibetan politician in exile, a former activist and active since the early 1980s.
Dölma Gyari | |
|---|---|
 Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile in 2008 | |
| Born | 1964 |
| Nationality | Tibetan |
| Occupation | minister for home department |
| Title | mrs |
Early life and education
Gyari was born in 1964 in Kalimpong in India. She studied at the Central School for Tibetans (CST) Darjeeling and graduated in 1981. She was a brilliant student and recipient of the School's best girl medal. She studied BA Political Science at Punjab University and LLB at Delhi University.
Family History
Gyari Dolma was born in India to a prominent Tibetan family from Kham Nyagrong. Her grandmother Chimi Dolma, the irrepressible female chieftain of Nyarong led the Gyaritsang army into many battles with the invading Communist army. Dorje Youdon, Gyari Dolma's mother, also the wife of chieftain led the Tibetan army into many battles at the early age of 18. Their history is referenced in history books and documents.
Her brother, the late Lodi Gyari Rinpoche, the envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and chairperson of International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), did a tremendous job in raising the profile of Tibet in the global sphere and for leading the ten rounds of Sino-Tibet dialogues till 2010.
He was a much-respected diplomat in the global political corridors, representing Tibet and Tibetans for the most of his life.
Activism
Dolma was a student leader who represented girls students, international students, Tibetan students, and Tibetan women students through various student groups and committees during her days in Darjeeling and Chandigarh.
She worked for the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress in Chandigarh during the same time and joined the central Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) later on. TYC is the largest grassroots Non-governmental organization in the Tibetan exile community across the world.
Dolma was elected as the executive member of Central TYC and worked as Information Secretary and Joint Secretary for two terms in the late 80s.
Political Career
She was elected to the Tibetan parliament in exile at 26 and served for close to two decades from 1991-2011 as a member of parliament and as deputy speaker, the highest position held by a Tibetan woman in the history of Tibet.
During her time as MP and Deputy Speaker, she was a part of the major transitions the Tibetan democracy adopted, from the drafting of the charter-in-exile to direct election of Kalon Tripa (Head of the Cabinet) by the people, to revisiting Tibetan political approach, connecting with world leaders and people to the devolution of political power by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In 2011, Gyari Dolma announced her decision to run for the election of Sikyong(political leader), equivalent to Prime Minister of a country but withdrew later.
After the election, she was appointed as the Nangsi Kalon (Home Minister) of the Central Tibetan Administration(CTA). During her tenure as CTA Home Minister, the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy of 2014 was formulated by the government of India that addressed the many lands and social welfare concerns of the Tibetan refugees.
In 2004, she was appointed by the Dalai Lama to be the Chairperson of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy(TCHRD) taking over from Prof. S. Samdhong Rinpoche.
Awards
Gyari Dolma is a recipient of the Nari Shakti award, Bharat Sahitya award, and Peace of India award among other recognition and accolades.
References