Dharamshala: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay who is currently on his farewell tour has visited the Tibetan settlement in Shillong thus covering 8 Tibetan communities in North East so far.
On 1 March, Sikyong visited the Tibetan settlement in Shillong and had an hour-long interaction with the Tibetan residents. Prior to his visit, Sikyong sat for an interview with Shillong Times hosted by its editor Patricia Mukhim where he talked about the purpose of his maiden tour, the recent enactment of the Tibet bill, and the proceeding border conflict between India and China among other things.
The interview was later published in Shillong Times under the headline- ‘To understand China, first understand Tibet’
To the Tibetans in Shillong, Sikyong emphasised the importance of the Tibetan language in the sustenance of the Tibetan movement. He urged the parents to send their children to the Tibetan schools and institutions to ensure the children retain a strong foundation in their mother tongue, Tibetan culture, and identity.
At last, Sikyong pushed for strong relations among the residents and with the local Indians.
Settlement Officer Pema Dhondup expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Sikyong on behalf of the community and briefed him on the activities carried out in the settlement.
The Tibetans in Shillong headed by the Settlement Officer and abbot of Gaden Choling Monastery felicitated Sikyong for his 10 long years of relentless service toward the people and the Tibetan political movement. The Tibetan Women Association also offered their tribute to Sikyong.
Following his public address, Sikyong Dr Sangay met with Soumyadeep Datta, Regional Convener of Assam and Meghalaya, Tibet Support Group and together they addressed the local press on issues covering Tibet, Indo-Tibet border conflict, and Tibet Policy and Support Act bill.