Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the Kham Kathok Tibetan Settlement in Sataun during his official visit.

Sataun: After his official engagements in Shimla, Sikyong Penpa Tsering commenced visitation programmes in Kham Kathok Tibetan Settlement in Sataun on 19 April 2025.  Upon his arrival, Sikyong was warmly welcomed by Gyasho Kyaptul Rinpoche, Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Ugyen Choedon, the President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, members of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, and members of the local Tibetan community.

Following a visit to the Kathok Monastery, a public gathering was convened, during which Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Ugyen Choedon presented a comprehensive report highlighting the history and ongoing projects of the Sataun settlement.

As part of the program, young monks from the Kathok Monastery presented a vibrant performance of the eight-chapter Lingdro dance.

In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering acknowledged the relatively small size of the Kham Kathok settlement but emphasised the importance of internal unity, collaboration, and mutual support within the community. “Our generation exists because the older generation worked hard and contributed immensely,” while stating, “Whether the future exists or not depends on the current younger generation.”

Sikyong also emphasised the importance of understanding the current global political climate, particularly the situation inside Tibet. Sikyong reiterated the need to intensify efforts in providing Tibetan language education to exile Tibetan children in order to safeguard Tibet’s unique religious traditions, culture, and linguistic heritage—elements that remain under existential threat from the PRC’s persistent attempts to erase Tibetan identity.

Furthermore, Sikyong shared updates on a significant initiative spearheaded by the Department of Religion and Culture—the development of a digital library aimed at preserving and providing access to sacred monastic texts. This project reflects the Central Tibetan Administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the spiritual and cultural treasures of Tibet remain accessible for future generations.

In light of efforts to resolve the longstanding Tibet-China conflict, Sikyong spoke about the U.S. legislation on Tibet that was passed last year. Sikyong explained to the gathering that the major differences between the two sides stem from disagreements over the historical status of Tibet, with China consistently repeating a distorted narrative of its sovereignty over Tibet. “This Act recognise the longstanding Tibet-China dispute as an unresolved international conflict and pushes China to engage in sincere negotiations with His Holiness, His representatives, or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community.