Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the gathering. Photo / Lobsang Dolkar / bod.asia
Dharamshala: On 6 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration arrived in Shillong from Tawang as part of his tour of Tibetan settlements in India. Upon his arrival at Guwahati airport, he was welcomed by President of the Shillong Local Tibetan Assembly Shilog Tsering, Tibetan Settlement Officer Tenzin Samten, and representatives from Men-Tsee-Khang. Later, around 4:15 PM, he reached the Gaden Choeling Monastery in Shillong, where local Tibetans, students, and monks gathered to greet him. Dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Tsering Dolma, former Tibetan Parliamentarian Yangchen Dolkar, and the Abbot of Gaden Choeling Monastery, were also present.
During the event, Shillong Settlement Officer Tenzin Samten presented a brief report, following which Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the gathering. He highlighted the purpose of his second tour of Tibetan settlements, stating that it was not only about meeting with people but also about understanding and responding to their needs. Sikyong shared his plans to visit other northeastern capitals and universities to raise awareness about Tibet’s situation and the CTA’s efforts.
In his speech, Sikyong Penpa Tsering discussed the CTA’s primary goal of resolving the Tibet issue through the Middle Way Approach, which seeks to establish a non-violent dialogue with China. He acknowledged the challenges of implementing this approach, given China’s political stance, and emphasized the importance of recognizing two core aspects: Tibet’s current political situation and its historical status as an independent nation. He also elaborated on conditions in Tibet, highlighting restrictions on political freedom, forced closures of Tibetan schools, requirements for monasteries to send monks under 18 to colonial boarding schools, and the prohibition of religious texts in libraries.
Sikyong recommended two books to young Tibetans: Tibet Brief 20/20 by Michael van Walt and a book by Professor Lao, both of which, he noted, provide evidence of Tibet’s historical independence. He outlined the administrative framework and initiatives of the 16th Kashag, to significantly streamline administrative work including a digital library and archive project, efforts to standardize data collection, ongoing resettlement projects, and preparations for next year’s celebrations honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.
In a subsequent Q&A session, Sikyong addressed concerns from the local community regarding various issues, such as the recent closure of the Sambhota School in Shillong, requests for relocation to South India, local administration appointments, and provisions for elderly and ailing community members. He explained that Sherig’s policy mandates the closure of schools with fewer than ten students and clarified the relocation process for those interested in moving to settlements in South India, noting that the CTA provides financial assistance for new housing construction. He also addressed queries about recent leadership appointments within settlements and emphasised the CTA’s commitment to caring for vulnerable members of the community.
On the morning of 7 November, around 9 AM, Sikyong Penpa Tsering departed for Guwahati airport. He was accompanied by Additional Secretary Tashi Dekyi and Northeast Dealing Staff, Uma Trinley, concluding his visit to Shillong.
