Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel opens the 4th Session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile on 7 September 2022. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA.

Dharamshala: The 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile commenced its 4th Session this afternoon in Dharamshala.

The 10-day session is presided over by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering are attended by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Kalons, members of the 17th parliament, and the Secretaries of the respective departments.

In his opening remarks, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel reiterated with joyous inclination the empowering affirmations made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama pertaining to his reassurance to live for another 10-20 years during the Tenshug ceremony held this morning at Tsuglagkhang. In addition, His Holiness had recently gone through a routine medical examination in Delhi and he was declared to be in great health. 

Remarking on the recent celebration of the 62nd Tibetan Democracy Day, Speaker confirmed the firm stance of the Tibetan Parliament to strengthen and protect the democratic values of Tibetan democracy bestowed by His Holiness to his people.

“The present members here are formally nominated by the people, therefore, are entrusted with a moral responsibility to defend public’s confidence and trust”, suggested the Speaker. He further recommended the written legacies of His Holiness as political guidance for the parliamentarians as they begin to open a new chapter of Tibetan democracy.

Parliamentarians of the 17th Tibetan Parliament begin the 4th session. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA.

The house mourns for Tibetan martyrs and the demise of Tibetans hit by natural disasters and Covid-19. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA.

Secretaries of the departments as the sideline audience. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA.