Sikyong Penpa Tsering, as the chief guests of the event, offering a butter lamp before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Dharamshala: The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine commemorated its 20th founding anniversary earlier today with a book launch in the gracious presence of Sikyong Penpa Tsering.

The publication chronicling the evolution and achievements of the Council was unveiled by the event’s chief guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, who then addressed the gathering. In his keynote address, Sikyong disclosed the forthcoming meeting, scheduled from 12 to 14 June, with the Tibetan sMenpas (Physicians)—who will be attending the long-life prayer offering on 11 June—to discuss the current status and future prospects of Tibetan medicine.

Sikyong added that following detailed deliberations and recommendation letters from the participating sMenpas, the Central Tibetan Administration would be able to support and facilitate the Council and devise policies.

Highlighting the need for strategic planning, Sikyong emphasised the importance of preparing a proper guideline to streamline the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine’s functions and urged members to identify potential collaborators, both individuals and institutions or organisations, who could enhance productivity and provide necessary resources.

Additionally, the event was also addressed by sMenpa Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, the chair of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine, and other guests.

Along with Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Secretary Dawa Tsultrim from the Department of Health (CTA), the Council’s chair sMenpa Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, Vice Chair sMenpa Dorje Dadul, and members and executive committee attended the commemoration.

(L-R) Health Secretary Dawa Tsultrim, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, sMenpa Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, and sMenpa Dorje Dadul launching the book. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

sMenpa Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, the chair of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine, addressing the gathering. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Sikyong Penpa Tsering felicitating the publication’s editor, Mingchung, a Tibetan language mentor at Upper TCV. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Secretary Dawa Tsultrim conferring a certificate of appreciation to member of the council. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Secretary Dawa Tsultrim conferring a certificate of appreciation to member of the council. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Secretary Dawa Tsultrim conferring a certificate of appreciation to member of the council. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Members of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine and event facilitators with Sikyong Penpa Tsering. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA