Dharamshala: “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan cause and Tibetans around the world. My top priority has been to serve the betterment of Tibetan people and the cause as per the wishes and guidance of His Holiness and which I think I have accomplished,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said, in his thank-you address to Tibetans in Kalimpong and Darjeeling on 23 February.
Having almost completed his triumphant ten-year term, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has now embarked on a farewell tour to Tibetan settlements in North East, Sikkim and the Eastern state of West Bengal to thank the people.
The tour would cover around ten Tibetan settlements spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. Upon returning en route, Sikyong will also visit the Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement and return to Dharamshala on the 3rd March.
On 23rd morning and afternoon respectively, Tibetans in Kalimpong and Darjeeling organised a grand reception in honour of Sikyong Lobsang Sangay.
Kalimpong Settlement officer Dhondup Sangpo and Darjeeling Settlement Office Norden presented as a token of gratitude, traditional Tibetan thangka and a green tara statue, on behalf of all the Tibetans in and around Kalimpong and Darjeeling to the Sikyong.
In his remarks, Sikyong said the purpose of his visit was to thank each and everyone there for their support and prayers. “I take this opportunity to personally thank all of you, all parents, teachers, staff, neighbours and every member of the community.”
“It was an honour to serve you and the greatest of all, to serve the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I can say this without a speck of doubt that I have served to the best of my ability to fulfil every wish and command of His Holiness.”
“I recollect with pride the number of audiences I have had with His Holiness when I was able to inform him of all the actions I had accomplished as per his wishes and guidance.”
He celebrated the fact that His Holiness has affirmed to live for over 113 years for the benefit of Tibetan people, culture and implored the responsibility of each and every Tibetan to generate collective merit so that His Holiness may live long and healthy.
Sikyong also briefed on the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 enacted by the US government. “This US Act is historic as it formally acknowledges the Central Tibetan Administration as a legitimate representative of Tibetan people and their aspirations.”
‘This has come true due to the blessings of His Holiness, the elders and six million Tibetans. It is our utmost duty to stay on the course until the aspirations of the six million Tibetans are fulfilled,’ Sikyong said, concluding on the notes of hope and optimism.