Dehradun: On the morning of 29 September 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration visited Sakya Monastery. He was welcomed by Tibetan Parliamentarian Khenpo Kadrak Ngedup Sonam and the heads of Sakya Monastery, Ngor Monastery, Gongkar Monastery, Tsar Monastery, the principal of Sakya College, and the head of Sakya nunnery. The Sikyong then had an audience with the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche.
After that, Sikyong visited the Rajpur Tibetan Women’s Handicraft Centre, touring its sections before addressing the gathering in the community hall. After a briefing by the centre’s head, Ugyen Chodon, Sikyong delivered a speech emphasising the unique status of Tibetan refugees, crediting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership. He highlighted the elder generation’s contributions to the Tibetan struggle and urged the younger generation to honour their efforts. This, Sikyong noted, is why he visits elderly care homes during his travels to thank the elders. He also discussed the importance of preserving Tibetan religion, culture, and history, especially in light of China’s policy to eradicate Tibetan culture and identity, aiming to erase Tibet from the memory of younger generation. Sikyong urged Tibetans in free countries to teach their children Tibetan language and culture and introduced initiatives related to strengthening Tibetan settlements from the 16th Kashag, followed by a Q&A with residents.
In the afternoon, Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement, touring both the Dekyiling Primary School and the Tibetan Homes School, Dekyiling. At Potala Hall, he addressed residents from Dekyiling and Gepheling settlements. Following a report by Tibetan Settlement Officer Dhondup Gyalpo, Sikyong highlighted how His Holiness’ vision and the older generation’s dedication helped establish the exile Tibetan community. He explained that his second round of settlement visits aims to strengthen ties between the administration and the public, despite the challenges of a dispersed population. He discussed the 16th Kashag’s efforts to gather accurate demographic data for better planning, in collaboration with the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy, and mentioned ongoing restructuring of CTA departments for greater efficiency. Afterward, he answered questions from the audience.
The event was attended by former Kalon (ministers), retired civil servants, Circuit Justice Commissioner, Local Justice Commissioner of Northern Region, Tibetan Settlement Officer, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, branch audit officer, head of the Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, leaders of the local Tibetan Freedom Movement, and representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organisations.