DHARAMSHALA: In 2013, the Tibetan community of Belgium formally adopted Ravangla Kunphenling Tibetan settlement located in the Indian state of Sikkim as part of the Sister Shichak project initiated by the 14th Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration headed by Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

Addressing the CTRC staff gathered today to welcome and thank Mr Thupten Phegyel, president of the Tibetan Community of Belgium, Home Kalon Dolma Gyari thanked the Tibetan community of Belgium for taking the lead in the Sister Shichak project by adopting Ravangla Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement.

Mr Palden Dhundop, additional secretary and acting Secretary of Home Department, said: “The project also fosters linkage of two Tibetan communities living in different geographical areas to form a sustainable relationship through exchange of information, culture, and experience and also assists in terms of socio-economic development of the community to strengthen solidarity between Tibetan communities to promote self reliance. It addresses all three principles of the present Kashag i.e., unity, innovation and self-reliance.”

The project is currently administered by the Department of Home and is aimed to create a self-reliant Tibetan society by enhancing the economic and social well-being of the settlements with the help of the Tibetan communities in the west.

The Tibetan Community of Belgium is the largest Tibetan association in the Belgium. It conducts various programmes and awareness campaigns to safeguard Tibetan cultural heritage and sustain the Tibetan struggle.

Mr Thupten Phegyel, president of Tibetan Community of Belgium, recently concluded visit to Ravangla Kunphenling Tibetan settlement to clearly assess and review the state of affairs and ground situation. “We felt we have a responsibility to do something and give back to the Tibetan people. A lot of us were brought up under the care and affection of the Tibetan community, therefore our board unanimously decided to support the project. Seed money of INR 50,000 was given to Ravangla Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement as a token of support,” he added.

He also added that “the Tibetan Community of Belgium works closely with the Mr Ngodup Dorjee, Representative, Office of Tibet based in Brussels.”