Kollegal Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement Commemorates its 50th Founding Anniversary

February 20, 2024

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Sikyong Penpa Tsering upon arrival at the venue of the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Dharamshala: Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement in Kollegal commemorated its 50th founding anniversary on 17 February 2024 in the presence of chief guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering and special guest Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations.

The celebration was also attended by Tibetan Parliamentarians Khenpo Jamphel Tenzin and Ngodup Dorjee, along with former Tibetan Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgyel, a former CTA secretary, Chief Representative Officer of South Zone, Tibetan Settlement Officers and other prominent members.

During the celebration, Kollegal Tibetan Settlement Officer Gelek Jungney read the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the Golden Jubilee celebration in which His Holiness emphasised the primary objectives of establishing Tibetan settlements for the integration of Tibetans and preservation of Tibetan traditions in exile. The message further implored exile Tibetans to avoid factionalism and remain united like those inside Tibet who, despite Chinese communist government’s severe repression, have shown their firm commitment in the unity of all Tibetans.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivered the keynote address during the celebration of the founding anniversary. Sikyong implored the gathering to translate the advice of His Holiness into action and apprised the 16th Kashag’s endeavours to garner international support for the quick resolution of the Tibet-China conflict through the policy of the Middle Way Approach. “To justify our struggle for freedom”, Sikyong said, “it is crucial for every Tibetan to know the historical independent status of Tibet in the first place irrespective of individual’s political stand”. While briefing the political developments brought by his administration since assuming the charge in advocating and lobbying the Tibetans’ struggle for freedom, Sikyong highlighted the recent passage of the Resolve Tibet Bill with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives. Furthermore, Sikyong expressed his hopes for similar approval in the Senate and extended his appreciation to everyone involved in this significant achievement.

The day-long celebration also witnessed an array of cultural performances and presentation of awards to thank former settlement officers, officials and other NGO members for their services towards the Dhondenling Settlement.