Dharamshala: The former Kalon Tripa of Central Tibetan Administration, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche today addressed the settlement officers gathered in Dharamshala  for 15th Administrative Conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers (TSOs).

The 84 year former Kalon Tripa spoke in length emphasising the duties of the Tibetan Settlement Officers in fulfilling His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s aspirations.

The former Kalon Tripa in his address, paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, acknowledging the great leadership shown by the Nobel Peace Laureate during a time of great crisis, particularly after his arrival into exile where he started the process of rebuilding a democratic system with the objective to promote Tibetan freedom, Tibetan religion, and culture.

He reminded the contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and urged the Settlement Officers to conduct their duties in accordance to the rules enshrined in the Tibetan Charter.

Furthermore, he advised the settlement officers to continue with efforts for the sustenance of Tibetan settlements, and on the same note, he called upon the participants for the promotion of the basic human values which is among the four principal commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also stressed the promotion of secular ethics at Tibetan settlements and communal harmony, the preservation of distinct Tibetan cultural identity, the revival of ancient Indian values, and promotion of environmental conservation in fulfilling the aspirations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The talk session was organised by the Dalai Lama Trust.

The five-day conference entitled the “15th Administrative Conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers (TSOs)” concludes on 10 November 2023. Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Home Department, will address the valedictory session, along with the Secretary of the Home Department, Palden Dhondup; Additional Secretaries Tenzin Norbu and Jampa Phuntsok.