BANGALORE: Ms. Dolma Gyari, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Central Tibetan Administration, accompanied by Home Secretary Mr. Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang is on a four-day official visit to Bangalore and Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement. The Minister, accompanied by Phillipa Carrick, CEO and Youdon Aukatsang, Executive Director of Tibet Relief Fund, a UK-based NGO, visited the Institute for Small Trade Learning Centre in Neelamangala.

This institute provides vocational training, among other programs, to empower Tibetan youth. A discussion between the delegates of Tibet Relief Fund and the minister was held with the latter presenting a few proposals to the Tibet Relief Fund.  

On February 4th, Kalon Dolma Gyari and Home Secretary Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang had a meeting (Shun-Mol-Tsong-Du) with CTA Officials, representatives of the monasteries and heads of the various organizations and NGOs based in Bylakuppe.

Ms. Gyari and Mr. K. Venkatesh, Hon’ble MLA of Bylakuppe Constituency jointly inaugurated the Nirantara Jyothi Scheme (24 hours Quality Power Supply) in Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement. This initiative is supported by the Karnataka Government’s Energy Department.

Mr. Venkatesh, Hon’ble MLA during the inaugural ceremony said he is too happy to extend this program to the Tibetans living under his constituency. He further admired the peaceful co-existence and harmony between the two communities in the last more than 50 years.   

Ms. Gyari expressed deep appreciation to the People and Government of Karnataka for this precious project which will be extremely beneficial to the local residents. She also particularly thanked the Karnataka Electricity Board authorities and the Engineers of Public Work Department who are directly implementing this project in the Tibetan settlement. The scheme is a great initiative by the State Government which will bring great socio-economic development not only to the Tibetan community but also to the neighbouring local community.  As there are large Schools, Buddhist Monasteries, Hospitals such scheme will further benefit to all and one. The program is implemented across 126 taluks, including the Tibetan settlements, with a cost of Rs. 2,122.6 crore.

Following the inaugural ceremony, Kalon Dolma Gyari and Mr. K. Venkatesh, inspected the Bylakuppe Water Filter Point Area, a National Rural Drinking Water Programme headed by the Ministry of Rural Development.  This project aims to provide every rural person with adequate clean water for drinking, cooking and other domestic needs on a sustainable basis.

The Karnataka Government approved this project on October 23, 2013 with an estimated budget of Rs. 1638.75 lakh.  The project will help 31 villages including the Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement.

The Lugsam and Delar Settlement Officers and Presidents of the two Tibetan Co-operative Societies of Bylakuppe arranged a high tea to honor and acknowledge the State Government’s assistance and support.

Kalon Dolma Gyari and Secretary Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang left Bangalore for Delhi on February 5, 2014.

Report submitted by:

Mr. Karma Singey
Chief Representative
Central Tibetan Administration (South Zone)