Chitradurga: On 10 August 2025, as part of the year-long celebration of the “Year of Compassion,” the Chief Representative Office of the South Zone, Mundgod Tibetan Settlement Office, SSS M Guru Trust, and the Karnataka Tibetan Support Group jointly organised a religious programme in Chitradurga, South India. This initiative was held to commemorate the kindness of the late S. Nijalingappa, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, and to express gratitude toward the Indian government.

The late former CM, Shri Nijalingappa, generously provided extensive land to Tibetans in Southern India, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has often expressed heartfelt gratitude for his kindness.

The chief guests in attendance were Representative Jigme Jungney of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Delhi, and several cabinet ministers of Karnataka state, including Shri M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Large and Medium Industries Infrastructure Development; Shri K.H. Muniyappa, Hon’ble Minister of Food and Civil Supplies Consumer Affairs; Shri D. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister of Planning and Statistics; and Shri Santhosh Lad, Hon’ble Minister of the Labour Department.

Seven Swamis, retired state officials, monks, and local residents were also present, with the event witnessing the participation of around 500 people.

The program began with the recitation of traditional Tibetan prayers, followed by official addresses from the ministers and distinguished guests. In their speeches, they highlighted the significance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and the celebration of the “Year of Compassion.”

Moreover, a message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was read aloud in the local Karnataka language before the gathering.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the South Zone Chief Representative and Mundgod TSO, who expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the Indian government and the late Chief Minister on behalf of all the Tibetans in Karnataka.