Dharamshala: President Dr Lobsang Sangay of Central Tibetan Administration on Monday hosted a Gala reception in honour of the visiting delegation of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and 17-member Israeli-Palestinian delegates.
The President was joined by Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, Department of Religion and Culture, Kalon Dr Pema Yangchen, Department of Education and Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Department of Health as they greeted the Chief Executive Councillor/Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Shri Gyal P Wangyal, Deputy Chairman Shri Tsering Dhondup, Executive Councillors Shri Phuntsok Stanzin and Shri Konchok Stanzin, Councillors Shri Tsering Morup, Shri Tsering Palden, Shri Tsering Angchuk, Shri Tsering Wangdue and the Israeli-Palestinian delegation comprising of political activists, journalists, intellectuals, cultural experts and youth leaders.
The delegates were treated to a wide range of Tibetan performing arts representing the distinguished cultural, social and spiritual aspects of the Tibetan civilization. The artistes of TIPA presented a number of Tibetan folk dance including the Tibetan classical orchestra of Nangma Toeshay and Tibetan acrobatic dance, Rolpa.
After the delightful performances, Kashag hosted a gala banquet in honour of the delegates.
Addressing the delegates of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council first, the President congratulated them on the new Union Territory status granted to Ladakh.
He hailed the rich historical and cultural bond shared by the people of Ladakh and Tibet and thanked the Chief Executive Councillor and his delegates for making the special visit to the CTA headquarters. The visit was facilitated by the Chief Representative Officer, Mr Tseten Wangchuk of Sonamling Tibetan Settlement, Ladakh.
As he described the undaunted freedom movement led by Tibetans and its thriving community in exile, the President extended friendship and solidarity on behalf of the Tibetan people with the Israeli-Palestinian delegates. He hoped that their weeklong visit to the Tibetan community in Dharamshala was inspiring and meaningful.