On 12 August 2025, I had the great privilege of visiting the Wisconsin State Assembly in Madison, where I was deeply honoured to meet Sen. André Jacque. It was a true pleasure to pay a courtesy visit and convey my heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering dedication and exemplary service to Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District. Senator Jacque was a candidate in the 2024 Republican primary for the 8th Congressional District, reflecting his continued commitment to public service.
Wisconsin holds a cherished place in the hearts of many Tibetans, not only for its vibrant communities but also for its rich cultural heritage. The state is home to approximately 1,000 Tibetans, many of whom have found a warm and welcoming home in Madison and surrounding areas over the past three decades. A highlight of my visit was reflecting on the profound significance of the Deer Park Buddhist Centre in Oregon, Wisconsin. This sacred site, visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama ten times, holds a special place in history. In 1981, it was here that the Dalai Lama delivered the first Kalachakra Teaching in the United States, a landmark moment of spiritual and cultural exchange.
Each year, on 10 March, the Tibetan National Flag is proudly raised at the City-County Building in a powerful display of #solidarity with the people of Tibet, who have endured immense hardship under the brutal occupation of Communist China for over seven decades. In recognition of the Tibetan National Uprising, the City of Madison and Dane County have declared this date Tibet Day, a meaningful gesture of support.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage with the Wisconsin State Senator during my brief visit and celebrate its rich heritage. Here’s to honouring the Badger State’s unique blend of community, culture, and progress.
Useful Link:
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 