Dalhousie: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Home, commenced his official visit to the Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement in Dalhousie on 13 August 2025. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by Settlement Officer Kalsang Tenzin, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly Phurbu Damdul, and other members of the local Tibetan leadership and community.

In the afternoon, Sikyong began a series of visits to key institutions within the settlement, including Dolma Lhakhang, the Tibetan Market, Gyutoe Monastery staff quarters, Tseringkhang and Kalsangkhang, the Buddha’s Statue Lhakhang, Local Tibetan Assembly, Local Tibetan Freedom Movement, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, the branch clinic of the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, the local Tibetan Primary Healthcare Center, and the Tibetan Settlement Office.

Later in the evening, Sikyong presided over an internal meeting with representatives of the local Tibetan leadership, during which issues concerning the welfare and development of the settlement were thoroughly discussed.

On 14 August 2025, Sikyong inaugurated the newly renovated Phuntsokling Community Hall. The event was followed by a public address. Settlement Officer Kalsang Tenzin presented a brief overview of the annual report of the settlement, while President of the Local Tibetan Assembly Phurbu Damdul expressed appreciation for Sikyong’s visit and leadership.

During his public address, Sikyong began by addressing the ongoing land-related concerns affecting the Phuntsokling settlement. He acknowledged the improvements made to the newly renovated community hall and commended its vision as a multipurpose facility. Sikyong advised the residents to fully comply with Indian legal frameworks in order to resolve land issues peacefully and maintain harmonious relations with the local Indian population.

Sikyong further outlined the Kashag’s key initiatives aimed at improving land and housing facilities for Tibetan communities across India, ensuring the sustainability of Tibetan settlements. He elaborated on various welfare programs spearheaded by the Department of Home, reaffirming the Central Tibetan Administration’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of Tibetans in exile.

Sikyong expressed profound gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, crediting His Holiness’s compassion and tireless efforts for the Tibetan people’s continued survival and ability to preserve their cultural and spiritual identity in exile.

Sikyong also reflected on the historical trajectory of the Dalhousie Tibetan resettlement post-1959, highlighting the establishment of early institutions such as the handicraft centres and the Lama School. He referenced His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visits to Dalhousie during the 1970s and briefly touched upon Tibet’s historical evolution.

Reaffirming the Tibetan administration’s unwavering commitment to resolving the Tibet-China issue, Sikyong underscored the importance of the Middle Way Approach (MWA). He emphasised its two core principles: the recognition of Tibet’s historical independence and its current occupation by China. He urged the international community to understand and support this approach, noting that awareness of Tibet’s history is vital to reinforcing its legitimacy.

Sikyong stressed the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and remaining informed about global political developments. He encouraged the local community to foster unity and collaboration, both in addressing internal challenges and engaging with external issues. Sikyong highlighted the importance of collecting accurate statistical data to support the development and implementation of future projects.

In concluding his remarks, Sikyong provided an overview of the work carried out by various departments under the Central Tibetan Administration, including scholarship programs led by the Department of Education and cultural preservation efforts initiated by the Department of Religion and Culture.

Sikyong was accompanied throughout the visit by Additional Secretary Tashi Dekyi, Settlement Officer Kalsang Tenzin, and Local Tibetan Assembly President Phurbu Damdul. The gathering concluded with an interactive public Q&A session.

On 15 August 2025, Sikyong Penpa Tsering is scheduled to attend a Ghoton celebration, an event organised by the Ludhiana Tibetan Traders’ Association.