BYLAKUPPE: Former Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche yesterday inaugurated the 13th annual conference of Federation of Tibetan Co-operatives (FTCI) at Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement in southern Indian state of Karnataka.

The participants for the three-day conference include chairmen and secretaries of 15 co-operative societies, managers and staff members of FTCI, board of directors of Lugsam, Delar and Hunsur cooperative societies.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Samdhong Rinpoche emphasised on the importance of active participation of community members in co-operative management, distribution of profit and operation of co-operative activities as per the state and central co-operative societies acts. He said the co-operative should be aware of amendment made by the government with regard to co-operative acts from time to time without delay.

Mr Pema Delek, the chairman of FTCI, spoke about the evolution of co-operative movement in Tibetan community in exile. He highlighted the progress made by Tibetan co-operatives in terms of profitability, management and service to the members. He said the FTCI has facilitated the members of Tibetan co-operatives in the Karnataka state to avail agriculture loans, interest subsidies and drought relief incentives like local Indian farmers.

Mr Tashi Wangdu, the chief executive officer of FTCI, presented a comprehensive information on how activities currently undertaken by FTCI and member co-operative societies benefit the members. He also spoke about upcoming projects of FTCI.

Prof Samdong Rinpoche honoured Mr Dorjee Palden, a scrap dealer from Mundgod Tibetan Settlement, with this year’s Tibetan Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He also launched the first annual Nyamdel Newsletter in Tibetan version and honored Dharamsala co-operative society for completing 50 years of community service (1963-2013).