Bylakuppe: Sikyong Penpa Tsering conducted a series of visits across Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlements from 20-23 February 2025, engaging with residents and addressing community concerns.
On 21 February, Sikyong visited nine camps in Dickey Larsoe Tibetan Settlement (Camps 10, 11, 12, 8, 9, 5, 6, 7, and 4). Sikyong listened attentively to the community’s issues and visited key locations, including Drikung Kagyu Monastery and the TDL Milk Producers Co-Operative Society. He also inaugurated the renovated community hall at Camp No. 10. During his visit, Sikyong reaffirmed his commitment to staying connected with Tibetans in exile, noting his goal of meeting with community members at least twice during his tenure.
Earlier, on 20 February, Sikyong visited Chowkur Settlement (Camps 15 & 16) and Deckyi Larsoe Settlement. Sikyong toured Sambhota Tibetan School, met with staff, and addressed the public at the community hall. In his speech, Sikyong spoke of Tibetans’ resolve to address the Sino-Tibetan conflict through the Middle Way Approach, the increasing restrictions in Tibet, and India’s critical support for Tibetans. Sikyong also highlighted ongoing projects like road construction in Chowkur funded by the CTA and called for responsible leadership and community unity.
On 22 February, Sikyong continued his visit to Dickey Larsoe, covering camps 3, 2, 13, 1, and 14. Sikyong further visited Karuna Home for the Disabled and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, where he was warmly welcomed by the monks, including the monastery’s abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche. He paid respects at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence and later had lunch at the monastery.
He also visited Golathala camps under Lugsum Tibetan Settlement, including Camps No. 5 and 6, and Sambhota Tibetan Schools interacting with school principal on school administrations.
During his stop at Sambhota Tibetan Schools, Sikyong inspired students, sharing his journey from Bylakuppe to Sikyong and encouraging them to aim for excellence.
On 23 February, Sikyong visited additional camps (3, 4, 7, and 1), including the Old People’s Home and Tsering Gephelling residential quarters for retired CTA officers. Sikyong then participated in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for newly built roads in Camps No. 3 and No. 4, marking the completion of this vital infrastructure projects.
This visit marks the second leg of his official tour to Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement. Over the past three and half days, he has engaged with residents in both Dickey Larsoe and Lugsum Samdupling Tibetan Settlements. The local Tibetan community warmly welcomed him, expressing their appreciation for his visit and ongoing commitment to their welfare.
