Sikyong Penpa Tsering Concludes Mundgod Visit with Spiritual and Community Outreach.

Mundgod, Karnataka: On 30 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering concluded his visit to the Mundgod Tibetan settlement, where he participated in a series of events.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering began his day in Mundgod with a visit to Drepung Loseling Tsukhang Khamtsen, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastic institutions in the region. He attended the enthronement ceremony of the 105th Gaden Tripa, the spiritual head of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Later that day, Sikyong also had a private audience with the newly enthroned Gaden Tri Rinpoche.

After the religious ceremonies, Sikyong’s itinerary included a brief but meaningful visit to Karma Foundation, a local charity dedicated to helping poor and needy children. The foundation provides educational support, food, and healthcare to underprivileged children, and Sikyong lauded the foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

Sikyong’s visit also included a stop at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centre in Hubbali, where he delivered a speech on the historical and cultural relationship between Tibet and India. Speaking to a gathering of RSS volunteers and local dignitaries, Sikyong emphasised the deep historical ties between the two nations, particularly in the realms of spirituality, culture, and political solidarity.

“Tibet and India share a unique and long-standing bond,” Sikyong said in his address. “India has been a sanctuary for Tibetans, and our people will always be grateful for the hospitality and support we have received here. The Indian culture and spirituality have profoundly influenced Tibetan Buddhism, and our shared values of peace and non-violence continue to unite us.”