Leh, Ladakh: On 26 July 2025, a delegation led by Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), comprising Kalons (Ministers) and senior officials, paid a visit to the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Venerable Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, in Ladakh. The purpose of the visit was to formally acknowledge and express profound gratitude for the generous donation of 63 kanals of land by Thiksey Rinpoche. This land is intended to support the relocation of the Jangthang Tibetan Settlement in Chumur and to provide housing facilities for Tibetan families in Leh who currently lack permanent residences.

During the visit, the Tibetan leadership extended heartfelt appreciation to Thiksey Rinpoche for his magnanimous contribution, which will significantly benefit the Tibetan community in Ladakh.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering was accompanied by Kalon Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Secretary Palden Dhondup (Department of Home), Representative Jigme Jungney (Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Delhi), Additional Secretary Tashi Dickey (Department of Home), and Chief Representative Officer of Ladakh, Tashi Dhondup. Former Representative of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lobsang Shastri, also joined the delegation.

Throughout the day-long engagement, the delegation held a brief meeting with Thiksey Rinpoche at his residence, followed by a site visit to the donated land. During the visit, Rinpoche graciously consecrated the land and interacted with members of the Chumur Tibetan nomadic community. The Rinpoche also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Tibetan leadership.

In the afternoon, a formal gathering was held at the Sonamling Tibetan community hall in Leh, where expressions of deep appreciation were conveyed to Thiksey Rinpoche and the Thiksey Monastery on behalf of the Tibetan community. As a token of gratitude, a citation from the Department of Home, along with several souvenirs, was presented to Rinpoche in recognition of his generous and compassionate support toward enhancing the well-being of the Tibetan people in the region.

Sikyong, in his address during the gathering, shared that the generous donation was made personally by Thiksey Rinpoche following a courtesy call by the newly appointed Chief Representative Officer. During the meeting, Rinpoche expressed deep concern over the living conditions of the nomadic Tibetan community in Chumur and offered this support specifically for their welfare.

Sikyong emphasized that this act of generosity extended beyond the Tibetan and Ladakhi Buddhist communities. Rinpoche has also offered assistance to Muslim communities in the Union Territory and to others in need. Reflecting on his own experience, Sikyong expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that he too had received immense personal support and encouragement from Thiksey Rinpoche.

“Kushok Thiksey has been a pillar of Ladakh’s spiritual, cultural, and social resurgence, upholding the legacies of both Thiksey and Diskit Monasteries,” Sikyong noted, while highlighting Rinpoche’s profound contributions to the spiritual and social wellbeing of the region. He further acknowledged Rinpoche’s pivotal role as the first and only Rajya Sabha member from Ladakh in fostering a strong and enduring relationship between the people of Ladakh and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Thiksey Rinpoche, in his remarks, also spoke about the recent land provision support. He recalled how, during the time of independent Tibet—prior to the Chinese occupation—His Holiness the Dalai Lama had extended special care and support to monks from Himalayan regions pursuing their Buddhist education in Lhasa. That tradition of compassion, he noted, has continued even after Tibet’s annexation, with His Holiness consistently supporting Himalayan monks in their studies.

“It is now our moral responsibility,” said Rinpoche, “to offer the same support to Tibetans in their time of need. As His Holiness turns 90 this year, it is a moment of pride for us to reciprocate that compassion by donating land for the Tibetan community.”

“For me, His Holiness is my root guru,” Rinpoche concluded. “I have always been, and will remain, committed to fulfilling His Holiness’ noble guidance until my last breath.”