Dharamshala: The 15th Administrative Conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers (TSOs) held in Dharamshala for four days was concluded this morning with a joint declaration.

The valedictory session was presided over by Sikyong Penpa Tsering (incumbent Kalon of Home), Home Secretary Palden Dhondup, Additional Secretary Tenzin Norbu and Jampa Phuntsok, Joint Secretary Tenzin Kunsang and 45 participating Tibetan Settlement Officers.

Additional Secretary Jampa Phuntsok read out the declaration of resolutions outlined during the four-day conference, followed by a concluding speech by Secretary Palden Dhondup of the Home Department, in which he stressed the importance of adhering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visionary guidance among inhabitants of respective settlements and urged the settlement officers to commit oneself for the welfare of exiled Tibetans.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of Home in his closing remarks, apprised about the concordance of the set of resolutions to be followed. Additionally, he spoke about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visionary guidance and the values propagated by former Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdong Rinpoche in terms of administrative system and obligation in his advice to the settlement officers.

He highlighted the significance of the Population Census prioritised by the administration and furthermore asserted the principal goals of the Administrative Conference, emphasising the significance of committing oneself to proper decision-making and resolution through a collective convention of the settlement officers. He urged for unity and good coordination and moreover, to realise the duty one has committed.

The democratically-elected leader in exile underscored the prioritisation of the 16^th Kashag to upgrade and expand the livelihood of Tibetan youth in the respective settlements to retain their sustenance while enhancing self-reliance. Furthermore, he talked about the initiation of the Holistic Healing Centre that would be an impetus in promoting Buddhism alongside mental and physical well-being.

The valedictory session of the 15^th Administrative Conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers (TSOs) concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Additional Secretary Tenzin Norbu.