Chauntara: Sikyong Penpa Tsering commenced the second leg of his official visit to Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra, Mandi, and Kullu districts on 20 August 2025, beginning with the Tashi Jong Tibetan Settlement — a small rural area located between Paprola and Taragarh.

Upon his arrival, Sikyong, accompanied by Additional Secretary Tashi Dekyi from the Department of Home (CTA), was warmly received by the Abbot of Tashi Jong Monastery, Khenpo Lobsang Sangpo; the Settlement’s acting Secretary, Khenpo Jigme Lodoe; and local Tibetan residents.

Sikyong first paid obeisance at the monastery’s shrines, followed by a tour of the Settlement Office and Health Care Centre, before addressing residents during a community gathering at the hall. He then visited the Khamgar Druk Dharmakara College, concluding his engagements at Tashi Jong.

In his interaction with residents, Sikyong underscored the significance of Tibetan Buddhism in garnering international support, remarking, “Tashi Jong Settlement itself is an epitome of this, having been established under the visionary leadership and initiative of the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche.”

En route to the Nangchen Tibetan Settlement in Chauntara, Sikyong Penpa Tsering paid obeisance at Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery in Baijnath, where he was granted an audience with Kyabgon Drupwang Pema Donyod Rinpoche, the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa.

Earlier, Sikyong was warmly welcomed by Tibetan Settlement Officers Meri Kyab (Nangchen Tibetan Settlement), Karma Namgyal (Bir Boetsog Tibetan Settlement), and Kunchok Lhamo (Tibetan Khampa Industrial Society – Dege Division), along with members of the Local Tibetan Assemblies and other Tibetan civil society representatives from the respective settlements.

At Nangchen Tibetan Settlement, Sikyong visited various institutions including the Settlement Office, Health Care Centre, Bumang Jhampa Ling Monastery, Jangchup Gatsel Ling Monastery, Sambhota Primary School, Dzongsar Kanishka School, Zabsang Choekhorling Monastery, the local Men-Tsee-Khang branch, Old People’s Home, Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Institute, and Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Chauntara.

To address the students from the three schools of the settlement and participants of the ongoing Inter-School Dialectic Meet, Sikyong convened an assembly at the TCV Chauntara auditorium later that evening.

The gathering began with opening remarks from TCV Chauntara Principal, Passang Tsering, who highlighted the school’s history and its recent participation in major Tibetan events, such as the Tibetan Yoghurt Festival (Shoton). He also noted the school’s efforts in providing inclusive education, being one of only two TCV schools catering to children with special needs.

In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering briefly recounted the recent celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday (Ghoton), which received wide international recognition and was covered by over 200 reputed media outlets globally.

He then introduced students to the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Tibetan Plateau, particularly its critical water resources that sustain downstream communities across Asia. He emphasised the role of Tibet’s water resources in shaping future relations among Southeast Asian countries — especially between the two Asian giants.

During the Q&A session that followed, Sikyong further delved deeper into key issues concerning Tibet’s future, including the enduring Tibet-China conflict and major undertakings and initiatives of the 16th Kashag.