MUNDGOD: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, gave a public address to the local Tibetan community of Mundgod on 29 December. The public address, held at the assembly ground of CST school, was attended by the Chief Representative of the Southern Tibetan settlements, the local settlement officer, camp leaders and, members of the lay and monastic community.
Greeting the Tibetan public, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said this is his third visit to Doeguling Tibetan settlement. He expressed regret for not being able to meet the public during his first visit to the settlement due to time constraints. However, he explained that the 14th Kashag is always committed to resolving the problems faced by the Tibetan people.
“This year, it has been over three years since the 14th Kashag took over political responsibility in 2011. During my visits to the Tibetan settlements in these three years, the Tibetan public have shared their grievances with me particularly regarding electricity, water supply, schools, hospitals and roads. I have duly recorded these grievances and regularly discuss it with the Kalons on ways to resolve these issues during our weekly meetings on Tuesday and Friday,” Sikyong said.
“And during my visits abroad, I explain these difficulties faced by the Tibetan people in order to raise funds to resolve it. The funds raised are then distributed to the various Tibetan settlements as per needs and requirements,” Sikyong explained, adding, that his visits abroad have been crucial for raising funds and generating financial and political support to run the Tibetan administration.
Sikyong also informed the public that during his three years in office, he has visited all the Tibetan settlements and schools in India, and most of the major Tibetan communities in Europe and North America. “The general situation of the Tibetan community is quite well,” Sikyong noted.
Speaking on the devolution of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to an elected Tibetan leadership n 2011, Sikyong Dr. Sangay said that there had been a slight apprehension among the public regarding the devolution when it happened. However, the apprehension is completely diminished now following the smooth and peaceful transition of leadership from His Holiness to an elected leadership.
Sikyong also acknowledged a positive development within the Tibetan community during his visits. “Earlier, only elderly Tibetans come to listen to the talks and meetings on the Tibetan issue. However, these days Tibetans from all age groups come in their best attires, to attend such meetings. Tibetans are taking active participation and interest in Tibetan politics which is a very positive development,” Sikyong said.
Sikyong expressed his appreciation for the initiatives by the Tibetan communities in US and Europe to assist Tibetan settlements in India. Several Tibetan communities in the US and Europe have taken the initiative to aid Tibetan settlements in facilitating drinking water, road constructions, and better electricity supply.
