DHARAMSHALA: The Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey today formally adopted two Tibetan settlements in India as part of the Sister Shichak project of the Central Tibetan Administration’s 14th Kashag.
 
Addressing a press briefing today, Kalon Dolma Gyari of the Department of Home announced the adoption of the two settlements by the US-based Tibetan community. She thanked the Tibetan community of New York and New Jersey for taking the lead in the Sister Shichak project by adopting the Tibetan settlements in Bandara and Hunsur.  

“The Sister Shichak project was initiated by the 14th Kashag as per its three guiding principles of Unity, Innovation and Self-Reliance. The project is currently administered by the Department of Home and is aimed to create a self-reliant Tibetan society by enhancing the economic and social well-being of the settlements with the help of the Tibetan communities in the west,” she said.

“The project also fosters closer community relationship between Tibetan settlements in India, Nepal and Bhutan, and the Tibetan communities in western countries to benefit both the communities,” she added.

The Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey is one of the oldest and largest Tibetan community in the US. It conducts various programs and awareness campaigns to safeguard Tibetan cultural heritage and promote the Tibetan struggle.

“The Tibetan settlements of Bandara (Norgeyling) and Hunsur (Rabgyaling) were adopted after Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Home Kalon Dolma Gyari’s call to Tibetan communities in the west to help settlements in India through the Sister Shichak project,” said Kunga Thinley, President of the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey.

“We felt we have a responsibility to do something and give back to the Tibetan people. A lot of us were brought up under the care and affection of the Tibetan community, therefore our board unanimously decided to support the project. We have also pledged to devote a large portion of our funds towards the sustenance of this project,” he added.

A four member delegation from the community’s Board of Directors including President Kunga Thinley, Vice-President Kelsang Gyatso and, co-ordinators Lobsang Samdup and Samten Sammy recently visited the two Tibetan settlements to review the condition of the settlements. The delegation was accompanied by Home Secretary Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang during the visit.