DHARAMSHALA: After inaugurating a new hospital in Dhondenling settlement in Kollegal yesterday, Kalon Tripa interacted with the general public on issues ranging from education of Tibetans to current situation inside Tibet.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Lobsang Sangay said the main aim of his visit was to inaugurate the hospital as scheduled. He said he was not able to visit other neighbouring settlements this time on account of critical situation inside Tibet and other important follow up works.

Kalon Tripa briefed the settlers on the workings of the Kashag, and plans and projects outlined by it.

Briefing on the critical situation inside Tibet in view of the series of self-immolation incidents and violent crackdown by the Chinese government, Dr Sangay told the settlers that the Kashag is deeply concern over these developments. He spoke about the Kashag’s efforts to approach the international community, including the US and other European countries, to press the Chinese leadership to ease the tension in Tibet and resolve the issue of Tibet. Kalon Tripa spoke about the testimonies that he and Kirti Rinpoche gave to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission last November. Kalon Tripa testified on the state of Tibet – the daily struggles of Tibetans inside Tibet trying to maintain their dignity under the iron fist of repression, and the continuing efforts of those living in freedom, working to preserve Tibetan culture in exile until Tibetans can return home.   

Kalon Tripa called on the Tibetans, including those living in Kollegal, to participate in a worldwide vigil on Wednesday, 8 February.

Kalon Tripa said education of Tibetans remains the number one priority of the Central Tibetan Administration. He said the Kashag has outlined programmes to develop Tibetan professionals in diverse academic fields. He also said the Kashag would make best efforts to help provide scholarships for students to pursue professional courses.

Kalon Tripa spoke about the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s formal authority to the elected Tibetan leadership, assuring the Tibetan people that the Kashag is doing its best to live upto the aspirations and visions of His Holiness.

The talk was followed by a question and answer session.

The issues raised by the settlers include compensation for crop failure, scholarships for needy children, increasing cost of medicines and road contruction in the settlement.

Regarding the issue of crop failure, Kalon Tripa told the settlers that the administration would provide help as per provisions enshrined in the regulation. He said the administration would take up the issue of road infrastructure with the state government.