Leh, Ladakh: On the third day of his official visit to Ladakh, Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed members of the Tibetan community at the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement Community Hall on the morning of 7 July 2026.

The programme began with a minute silence in memory of the patriotic hero Pawo Lobga Rangzen, who self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York in protest against China’s intensifying control over Tibet.

Chief Representative Officer Tashi Dhondup, Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, and Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA) Dhondup Tsering presented a traditional thangka to Sikyong. This was followed by the Chief Representative Officer presenting the settlement’s annual report to Sikyong and members of the community.

Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed gratitude to the Tibetan people for renewing their confidence in him for a second term and thanked the community for its support throughout his first five years in office. He also reflected on the successful conclusion of the year-long celebrations marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Year of Compassion, appreciating Tibetan communities for organising numerous initiatives to promote compassion and awareness. He urged Tibetans to practise compassion as a lifelong value rather than limiting it to a commemorative year.

Sikyong further highlighted His Holiness’ vision and Four Principal Commitments, emphasising that His Holiness’ teachings on universal responsibility, secular ethics, and compassion are relevant not only to Buddhists but also to people of all faiths and those without religious beliefs. He noted the growing global interest in Buddhist philosophy and programmes such as Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning, stressing that secular ethics are essential for humanity’s future. He further urged Tibetans never to forget His Holiness’ tireless contributions to the Tibetan people, observing that the international recognition enjoyed by the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan cause is deeply connected to His Holiness’ lifelong efforts.

Turning to the Tibetan freedom movement, Sikyong elaborated on the historical evolution and significance of the Middle Way Approach, explaining how it reflects the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the aspirations of the Tibetan people. He also referred to recent international support for Tibet, including statements condemning China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. He briefed the gathering on his recent official engagements in Germany and other European countries, including advocacy efforts concerning China’s new ethnic policies. He also presented an overview of the Kashag’s vision and ongoing initiatives, highlighting the importance of strengthening international advocacy through overseas engagement.

Addressing China’s growing global influence, Sikyong observed that while serious concerns remain regarding China’s policies, it is equally important to understand the country’s long-term strategic planning and effective implementation. He noted that China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and one of the world’s largest economies, with influence that extends across the globe. He stressed that recognising these realities is essential to pursuing a practical and peaceful resolution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

Before concluding, Sikyong Penpa Tsering urged the community to remain united and continue supporting the collective efforts of the Central Tibetan Administration. He also encouraged Tibetans to face future challenges with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility while drawing inspiration from the vision and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by LTA Chairman Dhondup Tsering.

Following the public gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering inaugurated the newly constructed office of the Leh-Jang Tibetan Freedom Movement and interacted with its administrative and local staff.

In the afternoon, Sikyong continued his official visit across the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement, inspecting Camps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 13, where he met local community leaders and residents. He also visited Menlha School, a branch of Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) Ladakh providing education up to Class III, and the Agling branch of TCV School, where he interacted with school representatives and reviewed their activities.

The day’s engagements concluded with visits to various settlement camps and schools, allowing Sikyong to maintain close interaction with administrative staff, schoolteachers, and local residents while gaining a better understanding of their needs at the grassroots level. Throughout the visit, he was accompanied by Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, Chief Representative Officer Tashi Dhondup, and Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA) Dhondup Tsering.

In the evening, at the invitation of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gompa Association, a dinner reception was hosted at Ladakh Sarai Resort in Saboo in honour of Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Speaker Dolma Tsering, and the visiting delegation from the Central Tibetan Administration and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Other attendees included Security Kalon (Minister) Kunga Tashi and Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Choedak Gyatso and Gonpo Dhundup.