Leh, Ladakh: Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Upshi on 4 July from Chief Representative Officer Tashi Dhondup, Local Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly Dhondup Tsering and Vice-President Lobsang Nyendak, and representatives of local monasteries, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (Men-Tsee-Khang), head of Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, Tibetan co-operative societies, Tibetan school students, and representative of the Regional Tibetan Associations of Leh and Jangthang.

Following the reception, Sikyong proceeded to the Dharma Centre in Choglamsar, where he was received by Tibetan Parliamentarians Choedak Gyatso and Gonpo Dhundup, along with President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Chering Dorjey Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Gompa Association (LGA) Dorjay Stanzin, LBA Youth President Jigme Rabten, and other dignitaries and well-wishers.

A brief meeting was held at the Dharma Centre Library and Conference Hall, during which Sikyong interacted with local representatives and reviewed the programmes scheduled for his official visit to Ladakh.

Later, Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited the cultural exhibition at Leh Main Market, organised by The Tibet Museum in collaboration with local organisations. He toured the exhibition, interacted with organisers and visitors, and walked through the market, where he was warmly greeted by members of the local community and tourists.

On 5 July, the first day of his official programme, Sikyong began with visits to Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery and Rudok Lhundup Choding Monastery.

Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile also joined Sikyong during the first day engagements.

Following his monastery visits, Sikyong continued his official programme with inspections of Tibetan institutions and community offices serving the Tibetan settlements in Ladakh. These included the Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, the Local Tibetan Justice Commission, the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, the Men-Tsee-Khang branch, the Regional Tibetan Co-operative Society and its cable office, the Chief Representative Office, the Local Tibetan Assembly, and Aa Kaa Maa Tours & Travel, a unit of the Tibetan Co-operative Society.

Throughout the inspection visits, Sikyong was accompanied by Chief Representative Officer Tashi Dhondup, Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, Director of TCV School Ladakh.

In the afternoon, Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering received an audience with the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, at his residence accompanied by Kelkhang Rinpoche.

Following meeting with Thiksey Rinpoche, they proceeded to the another Men-Tsee-Khang branch near Leh Market. There, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Dolma Tsering met with the Director and staff members to discuss the institute’s activities, ongoing services, and future initiatives. They later toured the Men-Tsee-Khang’s Museum.

Throughout the visits, Sikyong interacted and listened to updates from staff members, exchanged views on strengthening institutional services, and discussed issues relating to education, healthcare, community welfare, administration, and the long-term development of the local Tibetan community in Ladakh.

In the same evening, Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended a gala dinner reception hosted at The Grand Dragon Hotel for dignitaries and community leaders of Leh, Ladakh. The reception was jointly organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Chief Representative Office of Sonamling Tibetan Settlement.

The event was graced by Shri Anand Jain, IPS, Director General of Police (DGP) of the Union Territory of Ladakh, as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Security Kalon Kunga Tashi, Tibetan Parliamentarians Choedak Gyatso and Gonpo Dhundup, and Secretary of Department of Security Dhondul Dorjee.

Additional District Development Commissioner Ringzin Spalgon, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Delex Namgyal, Representatives of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam (Sunni) and Anjuman Imamia (Shia), President Tsering Dorjey Ladrook of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), former Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyaltson, former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, President Ven. Dorje Stanzin of the All Ladakh Gompa Association (LGA), and other distinguished guests and community leaders also attended the dinner.