Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
A group of US lawmakers arrived in India on Tuesday (18) to meet Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, with the head of the delegation saying president Joe Biden would soon sign a bill that aims to press China to resolve the Tibet dispute.
The bill seeks to push Beijing to hold talks with Tibetan leaders, stalled since 2010, to secure a negotiated agreement on Tibet and spur China to address Tibetan people's aspirations on their historical, cultural, religious and linguistic identity.
The visit, likely to rile Beijing at a time when the US and China have sought to stabilise rocky ties, comes days ahead of a US trip planned by the Dalai Lama for medical treatment, but it is unclear if he will have any engagements during it.
The bipartisan delegation of seven lawmakers, headed by Republican Representative Michael McCaul and including Democratic former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, arrived in the Himalayan town of Dharamsala.
It is home to the 88-year-old Tibetan monk in exile.
"We are very excited to see His Holiness tomorrow to talk about many things, including the bill we just passed out of Congress that basically says the United States of America stands with the people of Tibet," McCaul said.
He was referring to a meeting set for Wednesday (19) morning.
Asked if Biden will sign the bill soon, McCaul responded, "Yes, he will, he will."
McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, was referring to the legislation, 'Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act', also known as the Resolve Tibet Act.
US lawmakers have regularly visited Dharamsala and touted the work of the Dalai Lama to draw global support for linguistic and cultural autonomy in his remote, mountainous homeland.
Beijing, which considers the Nobel peace laureate a dangerous "splittist" or separatist, said it was "seriously concerned" about the visit and the bill expected to be signed by Biden.
"We ... urge the US to fully recognise the anti-China and separatist nature of the Dalai clique, abide by its commitments on Tibet-related issues, refrain from any form of contact with it, and stop sending erroneous messages," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.
Lin said Tibet's affairs are purely the internal affairs of China, which brooks no interference from external forces.
"We urge the US side to honour its commitment of recognising Tibet as part of China and not supporting Tibetan independence, and not to sign the above-mentioned bill," Lin told a regular briefing.
Beijing would take "resolute and forceful measures" to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, he added.
The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Chinese officials chafe at any interaction he has with officials of other countries.
The Dalai Lama has met US officials, including presidents, during previous visits to the US, but Biden has not met him since taking office in 2021.
Crowds of Tibetans, among them school children holding banners, gathered at the airport of the small hill town to greet the visiting lawmakers, while dozens of monks and nuns in maroon robes cheered as they got into vehicles.
"Over the last two years the Resolve Tibet Bill was passed ... and it is now on the desk of President Biden, so that will be a game changer," said Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration, or government in exile.
Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.
Creating cultural belonging
Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.
Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.
Empowerment through experience
I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions," Patel told BBC."I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth." She realised that lack of cultural belonging represented an untapped market.
The business model centres on experiential events that blend tradition with social connection. The first workshop held on September (20) focused on bento cake decorating, a trendy format paired with south Asian networking. Patel aims for attendees to "feel empowered and inspired."
With South Asian Heritage Month highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, The Empowered Desi positions itself at the intersection of community building and commercial viability. Patel's betting that others share her experience and are willing to pay for a sense of belonging.
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