In a significant development, India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) has corrected its terminology, reverting to “Tibet” instead of the Chinese-imposed term “Xizang” in its official earthquake reports and updates. This change follows sustained advocacy efforts by the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG), operating under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Earlier this month, the NCS used “Xizang” more than 55 times in its reports following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Southern Tibet’s Dingri region between January 7 and January 16. The term, which aligns with Beijing’s political narrative, drew criticism from Tibetan activists who argued that such terminology undermines Tibet’s distinct historical and cultural identity.
In response, V-TAG researchers Tenzing Dhamdul and Tenzin Lhatso met with NCS Director Dr. Om Prakash Mishra on January 21 to raise their concerns. Dr. Mishra assured them that “For India, Tibet is Tibet and not Xizang,” and reaffirmed that the official nomenclature used in India’s geopolitical framework is “Tibet.”
Following this meeting, the NCS implemented the correction, replacing “Xizang” with “Tibet” in its official communications. Dhamdul welcomed the revision, stating, “India has reverted to ‘Tibet’ because for India, it always has been Tibet and not Xizang. This was stated to us by the director of NCS, Dr. O.P. Mishra, when we approached him. We are glad to see that they have kept their word and implemented the necessary changes here.”
He further urged other countries and institutions to follow India’s example: “Countries around the world should take note of India’s approach here. Many have been using Xizang instead of Tibet, knowingly or unknowingly, without considering the larger implications.”
Reflecting on the significance of grassroots activism, Dhamdul added, “This time, it was V-TAG Delhi; next time, it will be another organization. What matters is Tibetans coming together and leading advocacy efforts for Tibet. We are the representatives of our brothers and sisters in occupied Tibet, and our small action here as voluntary Tibetans has brought about a change—one that every Tibetan and Tibet supporter can replicate and expand further.”
This development highlights how Chinese propaganda infiltrates even scientific institutions, often unnoticed, and underscores the critical role of sustained advocacy in countering Beijing’s influence. While India’s Seismology Centre responded positively to concerns raised by Tibetans, similar appeals to institutions in the UK and France have not received the same level of acknowledgment, revealing a broader challenge in resisting China’s narrative warfare on Tibet.
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