Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the inauguration of soldier Nyima Tenzin’s memorial bust in Ladakh.

Leh: Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration today successfully concluded his official visit to Leh and Jhangthang regions of Ladakh.

Sikyong addressed the residents of Sonamling Tibetan settlement on the final day of his official visit to Ladakh on 28 August. The address was conducted via cable TV of the Ladakh Tibetan Co-operative Society as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of Covid 19. In his address, Sikyong spoke about the importance of unity and the consolidation of efforts to achieve common goals.

“In the last eight and a half days, I visited all the camps and the nomadic settlements in Ladakh in an effort to meet as many people as possible. Whatever concerns and suggestions that you have expressed during these meetings, I have recorded them in writing and will work towards resolving it,” he said.

Speaking about the importance of unity, he said: “Unity of effort is extremely important. If one person has to lift a heavy object, it would be really difficult. However, if we exert concerted efforts, not only would the object become lighter, we would have a greater chance of succeeding in lifting it. Therefore, let’s consolidate our united efforts in resolving the concerns that you have raised. I would also think about a holistic approach to all the issues.”

Sikyong noted that the most common problem that he came across during his meetings is with regard to land. “There were many who expressed their problems with regard to land. In Leh and Choglamsar, about 55 families are currently facing housing problems and are residing in rented homes. Some families in particular are truly poor. When I visited TCV old age home, the facilities provided by TCV are really good,” he said.

“Some problems are related to agricultural land. In the nomadic communities, some have expressed their desire to have a community home to stay. These issues require a lasting solution by studying the situation from different angles, and not just temporary fixes. We also have to think about what would happen in the next 10 or 15 years, and how should we overcome these issues,” he added.

Sikyong also spoke about development projects that will accommodate the aspirations of the youth. “When we plan projects, we have to think about the needs of the community especially the youth. We have to consider the education qualifications of the youth. If there are many youngsters without proper academic qualifications, we have to think about proper vocational training programs that will fulfill the need of the community. We also need to encourage entrepreneurship by providing small loans to them,” Sikyong explained.

Earlier in the morning of the same day, Sikyong inaugurated a memorial bust of soldier Nyima Tenzin, who died during the Sino-Indian clash last year. Following the inauguration, Sikyong met representatives of the Traders Union, Taxi Union, Mule transport association, etc. He then met members of the Himalayan Tibet Support Group, and inaugurated a futsal tournament in Leh.

In the evening, the Chief Representative’s Office, the local Tibetan assembly, Tibetan co-operative Society, TCV Ladakh, branch clinic of Mentsekhang jointly organised an official dinner for Sikyong Penpa Tsering. The dinner was also attended by the chairman of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, President of Ladakh monastery association, president of Ladakh Muslim association Ashraf Ali Barcha, Ladakh engineer Sonam Wangchuk, Phuntsok Ladakhi, among other dignitaries from the Ladakhi community.

Sikyong with local Tibetans in Ladakh.

Official Dinner for Sikyong with dignitaries of Ladakh.

Sikyong presenting CTA emblem as souvenirs to members of Himalayan Tibet Support Group.

Sikyong at the inauguration of Futsal tournament at Leh.