
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with Kyabje Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche making prayer offerings before a tea reception accorded by Rinpoche at his residence.
Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh: As part of his ongoing second leg of official visits to Tibetan settlements in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and West Bengal, Sikyong Penpa Tsering arrived at the Tezu Dhargyeling Settlement on 27 January 2025. During his day-long visit, he conducted several engagements, including an inspection of the 16th Kashag’s projects in the settlement.
Upon arrival, Sikyong was warmly received by Dhargyeling Settlement Officer Kunga Jigme and the local residents. His visit began with a paying of obeisance to Kyabje Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche at the Rinpoche’s residence. Sikyong also held brief meetings with local officials and dignitaries, during which he expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Tibetan community for the ongoing support extended to the Tibetan settlers in the region.
To assess the welfare of the Tibetan residents, Sikyong visited all camps within the settlement, including the site for a new camp that will house several Tibetan families from Tuting.
Later in the day, Sikyong addressed a public gathering, emphasising the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Tibetan Plateau. He also briefly discussed the PRC’s proposed mega-dam project on the Brahmaputra River, warning of the severe ecological and strategic consequences for riparian communities. Highlighting the region’s seismic sensitivity, he cautioned that such a massive construction would only exacerbate the risks. “The recent devastating earthquake in Tibet’s Dingri region is a stark reminder of the natural disasters that could follow,” Sikyong noted.
Beyond this regional concern, Sikyong provided an update on both completed and ongoing initiatives under the 16th Kashag, while acknowledging the visionary leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also expressed deep appreciation for the elder generations of Tibetans, whose efforts helped establish the thriving Tibetan exile community, which has built a robust democratic system and continues to advocate for the restoration of Tibetan freedoms through the Middle Way Policy.
Sikyong also took the opportunity to thank the government and people of India, particularly the leadership of Arunachal Pradesh, for their unwavering support. He urged Tibetan residents to continue fostering harmonious relations with the local population and to adhere to local laws.
As Sikyong proceeds to visit the Tibetan settlements in West Bengal, his visit to Arunachal Pradesh is deemed a significant success, highlighted by the successful conduct of a seminar on ‘Environment and Security’ in Itanagar.