Bhandara: Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration commenced the second leg of his official visit to the Tibetan settlements in central India on 30 July 2025, beginning with the Bhandara Norgyeling Tibetan Settlement, the only Tibetan settlement in the Maharashtra state of India.

Earlier in the morning, around 8:00 AM, Sikyong arrived at Nagpur Airport in Maharashtra, where he was warmly received by Settlement Officer Tenzin Tsangpa, Local Tibetan Assembly President Chogyal Gyaltsen, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement President Gonpo Dorje, Tibetan Cooperative Society Chairman Tenzin Pasang, as well as representatives from the India Tibet Support Group, among others. During his brief stop at the airport, Sikyong gave interviews to four Indian news media outlets, primarily addressing issues related to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.

On the way from Nagpur to Bhandara, Sikyong met with key members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Nagpur India Tibet Support Group. During these interactions, he elaborated on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments, the historic ties between India and Tibet, and His Holiness’ statement affirming the continuation of the institution of Dalai Lama.

At approximately 1:30 PM, Sikyong arrived at the Bhandara Norgyeling Settlement, where he was welcomed by the local Tibetan community. Sikyong then visited Sera Jey Thekchenling Branch Monastery and the Ngagyur Nyingma Cheopheling Monastery to pay his obeisance. The tour continued with a visit to several important community institutions, including the Gangjong Nordrey factory operated by the local Tibetan Cooperative Society, the Elderly Care Center, and STS Day School. During his interaction with students, Sikyong emphasised the value of listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s guidance, encouraging them to strive not only in academics but also in cultivating moral character.

Following this, Sikyong visited the local Tibetan Primary Health Centre, the Men-Tsee-Khang branch, the Settlement Office, the Local Tibetan Assembly Office, the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement Office, and the Tibetan Cooperative Society Office.

Throughout the day, Sikyong was accompanied by Secretary Palden Dhondup and Joint Secretary Tenzin Kunsang from the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration.