TYC’s 20,000 km long ‘All-India Bike Rally’ concludes in Delhi

Tsering Dhundup

DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 23: The largest Tibetan pro-Independence group Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) successfully concluded its two-month All-India Bike Rally at the Tibetan Colony in Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi, on Wednesday. 

The rally, which started on November 22, 2024, from the Indo-Tibet border’s zero point at Bumla Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, saw 12 activists biking for 63 days travering over 20,000 kilometres across 20 Indian states to create awareness over the Tibetan movement and the current situation of Tibet.

Speaking with Phayul, TYC President Gonpo Dorjee spoke about the rally’s achievements stating, “During the 63 All India bike rally, we covered 20 states and engaged with chief ministers, governors, union ministers, members of Parliament (MP), state legislators (MLA’s), and mayors. More importantly, we advocated and spread awareness of the Tibetan cause to a few hundred media outlets, including national and local platforms. We also visited all Tibetan settlements and winter business hubs in these states.”

He further elaborated on the journey’s challenges: ”The bike rally spanned twenty thousand kilometres in 63 days, with an average daily travel of 300 to 400 kilometres. Some days saw us covering 600 to 700 kilometres. We encountered dynamic weather conditions and experienced three major accidents—in Assam, on the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, and in Lucknow. While some participants sustained fractures, their conditions have improved and recovery is ongoing.”

The campaign focused on three objectives, which include urging the international community to press China to halt actions affecting Tibetan cultural and environmental integrity, thanking India for its support while advocating for official recognition of Tibet’s historical independence, and calling for measures to protect Tibet’s environment from resource exploitation.

The 63-day campaign was fully funded by the Tibet Youth Congress. And with total expenses reaching approximately 26 lakhs (2.6 million) Indian rupees.

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