Gangtok: On 10 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the Tibetan community in Gangtok, Sikkim, on the final day of his second leg of official visits to Tibetan settlements in the Northeast Indian regions.

Chief Representative Officer of Northeast Dorje Rigzin, Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Officer Dhondup Sangpo, Kalimpong Tibetan Settlement Officer Tseten, Abbot of Gangtok-based Sera Jey Drophenling Monastery, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly Jinpa, President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement Sangey, President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Lobsang Wangyal, and President of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association Rigzin Dolma, along with other representatives from local Tibetan CSOs attended the gathering.

The event commenced with a welcome address by the Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Officer, followed by Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s remarks on the current political and social climate facing Tibetans in exile.

Sikyong highlighted the increasing influence of Chinese pervasive propaganda on social media, which aims to create division within the Tibetan exile community, particularly targeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other prominent Tibetan leaders. Hence, Sikyong urged the public to evaluate the information they encounter critically.

Apart from that, Sikyong reiterated that the work of the 16th Kashag is guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision, particularly in the areas of political, social welfare, and administrative policies. Any achievements during this term, he noted, are attributable to His Holiness’ kindness and blessings.

In discussing the structure of the Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong emphasised its inclusivity of all Tibetan regions and religious traditions, urging unity for the shared cause of Tibet. He also outlined several initiatives led by the 16th Kashag, including the digital archiving project, intensified efforts in preserving the Tibetan language, housing programmes, and efforts to improve public services through enhanced statistical data.

Before concluding, Sikyong addressed the challenges facing Tibetans in exile, such as the large number of young Tibetans moving abroad from India and Nepal in search of better employment opportunities, leading to the decline in the population residing in Tibetan settlements. This domino effect, he said, has numerous negative impacts on the sustainability of Tibetan settlements and schools.

On the subsequent day, Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the inauguration ceremony of the Mindrolling Zangdokpalri Temple in Sikkim, alongside Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay. It was also attended by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Security Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari from the Central Tibetan Administration. 

During this event, Sikyong delivered Kashag’s statement for the ceremony in Tibetan.