Ludhiana, Punjab: On 8 August 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the opening ceremony of the 6th General Body Meeting of the Tibetan Trader’s Association, held at the King Palace in Ludhiana.

The event was also graced by notable guests, including Secretary Tsering Dhondup from the Department of Finance (CTA), Naveen Sood, President of the Indo-Tibetan Hosiery Association, K.N. Kapoor, President of the Lala Tibetan Hosiery Association, and Arsharad, President of the Delhi Jafrabad Lala Association.

The ceremony began with a welcome address from Tenzin Passang, President of the Tibetan Trader’s Association, who provided an update on the current status of Tibetan traders in India. The association’s secretary, Sonam Topgyal, and accountant, Tenzin Wangyal, then presented the annual report and the association’s financial ledger, respectively.

Following that, Sikyong bestowed mementoes to the distinguished guests and the executive members of the Tibetan Trader’s Association.

The Presidents of Indo Tibetan Hosiery Association, Lala Tibetan Hosiery Association, and Delhi Jafrabad Lala Association, in a show of unity and support, assured their continued assistance to the Tibetan traders, who they lauded for their humility and generosity.

In his address, Sikyong expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support from the aforementioned Indian business associations. He reflected on the historic relationship between India and Tibet, particularly India’s role in providing asylum following Tibet’s annexation by the People’s Liberation Army. He then said, alongside government and the people of India, Tibetans must be grateful to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elder generations for fostering this robust Tibetan community in exile.

Sikyong highlighted that the 16th Kashag views trade as a crucial means for sustaining Tibetan settlements in India amid the depleting Tibetan population. He encouraged Tibetan traders to comply with local laws and called on the General Body members to collaborate in improving support for Tibetan traders. Sikyong suggested creating guidelines to address challenges and ensure the sustainability of this occupation for Tibetans.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Tenzin Khentse, Vice President of the Tibetan Trader’s Association.

Approximately 200 Tibetan traders from 170 regions participated in this three-day meeting. In total, there are 238 trading regions where Tibetans engage in small-scale businesses seasonally or annually.