Nainital: On the morning of 8 August 2025, Sikyong Penpa Tsering departed from Varanasi for Nainital, arriving at Pantnagar Airport at 2:30 PM. Upon arrival, Sikyong was warmly received by Dr. Tsewang Phuntsok, Dehradun Tibetan Settlement Officer; Yeshe Thubten, President of the Nainital Tibetan Welfare Association; Tenzin Jinpa, President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement; Tenzin Jigme, President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress; and Sonam Choedon, Vice President of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association.

A similar welcome was extended by Tulku Tenzin Thinley Langthong and members of the Tibetan community in Nainital. Later that evening, Sikyong toured the Tibetan market.

The following morning, Sikyong visited Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Monastery in Nainital and later addressed local Tibetan residents at the Ashi Yangkyi Memorial Puntsok Deden Community Hall.

Tibetan Settlement Officer Dr. Tsewang Phuntsok presented the community’s annual report, followed by remarks from Home Secretary Palden Dhondup, who highlighted the importance of the Home Department’s understanding of the ground situation during this first official visit to Nainital. He praised the local leadership, stating that, as the saying goes, “elders lead, youth work”—with Langthong Rinpoche providing guidance and the younger generation contributing effectively. He also noted that although the Tibetan population in the area is small, they live together in harmony.

During his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering stated that this was his first visit to Nainital during the 16th Kashag’s tenure. He also expressed regret over not being able to make a second visit to certain areas in the U.S. and Europe due to other urgent priorities.

Sikyong then emphasised the importance of upholding the three pillars of Tibetan democracy as the foundation of both the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan struggle, citing the recent Ghoton celebration, during which leadership from all three democratic pillars and autonomous bodies were present as a result of the efforts by the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

On political matters, Sikyong reiterated that dialogue with China is the only viable path to resolving the Tibet-China conflict through the Middle Way Approach. Until China responds, Sikyong stressed the importance of lobbying and engaging with the international community. He further added that advocacy efforts must align with the interests of each respective country to ensure meaningful support for the Tibetan cause.

Sikyong also noted that during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration, approximately 216 media personnel from around the world were present—an indication of His Holiness’ global significance and the enduring impact of His teachings.

In conclusion, Sikyong introduced key initiatives of the Central Tibetan Administration to preserve Tibetan religion and culture, including the Tibetan Digital Library and the newly launched “Neykor” App by the Department of Religion and Culture during the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference. Sikyong also outlined various social welfare projects, such as resettlement and infrastructure development initiatives, as well as youth leadership and mobilisation efforts through the Voluntary Tibetan Advocacy Group.

On 11 and 12 August, Sikyong is scheduled to undertake official engagements in Delhi, including a visit to the Samyeling Tibetan Settlement and an address to the Tibetan community there.