Gangtok, Sikkim: Kalon (Minister) Palden Dhondup of the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), undertook an official visit to Tibetan settlements in North Sikkim and West Bengal from 8 to 14 July 2026 to assess the welfare and administrative conditions of the settlements, understand the concerns and needs of local residents, and review the implementation of settlement welfare programmes.
During the visit, the Kalon toured Tibetan communities in Kabi, Manul, Pagong, Chungthang, Mushithang, Dongu, Thangu, and Chaten in North Sikkim. He also visited Guru Kubum Lhakhang, Rumtek Monastery, Sakya Ngor Gompa, Sera Jey Dropheling, and the Old People’s Home near Rongay in Gangtok. The tour further included visits to the Tibetan communities of Sonada and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal.
On the morning of 8 July, the Kalon departed from Gangtok and, en route, met members of the Tibetan communities in Kabi and Manul. Upon arriving in Pedong, he addressed residents from Mushithang, Chungthang, and Pagong, outlining the CTA’s current initiatives and priorities before engaging in an interactive question-and-answer session with community members.
The following day, the Home Kalon travelled via Yumthang to Thangu in North Sikkim, where he met local residents as well as Tibetan nomads from Dongu and Lhonag. He addressed the gathering and later responded to questions from the public. During the visit, the Kalon also inspected a nearby monastery that had recently been damaged by fire and received a briefing on the challenges facing the monastic community.
Later that evening, the Kalon visited Chaten, where he addressed local residents and held another interactive session. On 10 July, he returned to Gangtok.
On 11 July, the Kalon visited Guru Kubum Lhakhang, Rumtek Monastery, Sakya Ngor Gompa, Sera Jey Dropheling, and the Old People’s Home near Rongay. At each institution, he held discussions with the respective heads on matters concerning administration and ongoing activities.
On the morning of 12 July, the Kalon travelled to Sonada, where he inspected the local monastery, Settlement Office, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement office, Cooperative Society office, school, and students’ hostel. In the evening, he addressed members of the local Tibetan community.
The Home Kalon later proceeded to Darjeeling, stopping en route to visit Phuntsok Ngayab Choekhorling Monastery, Sakya Guru Monastery, and Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, where he met with the administrators of the respective institutions.
On the morning of 13 July, the Kalon visited Phuntsok Pema Chokhorling Monastery, the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement office, and the Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture. He subsequently inaugurated the newly completed Settlement Office building and staff quarters in the presence of local dignitaries and community representatives, and delivered an address on the occasion.
Later that evening, after visiting the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, the Kalon addressed members of the Tibetan community and staff of Sambhota Tibetan School.
On the morning of 14 July, the Home Kalon concluded his official visit and departed for Kalimpong.
– Report filed by Department of Home, CTA
