Sikyong Visits Tibetan Institutions in Mundgod, Implores Residents to Uphold Tibetan Spiritual and Cultural Heritage

Mundgod: On 27 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering began official visits to Tibetan settlement and institutions in Mundgod following the completion of long-life prayers offering at Ganden Tritok Khang.

The engagements began at the STS School, where Sikyong delivered an inspiring speech to the students, emphasising the importance of Tibet as an ecological region vital to the health of the planet. Sikyong spoke about the critical role Tibet plays in preserving the global environment, particularly as the “water tower of Asia” and urged the students to be aware of their heritage and the unique position they hold as future leaders in preserving Tibetan culture and contributing to global sustainability.

“Your education here is not just about learning academic subjects; it is about carrying forward the responsibility to safeguard our land, our culture, and our environment for future generations,” Sikyong said, motivating the young students to stay committed to their studies and take pride in their identity.

After addressing the students, Sikyong visited Camp 3 and Rangzen Hall, where he met with community members and general public, further engaging with the Tibetan diaspora in the region. Sikyong’s next stop was at the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, where he paid tribute to the martyrs of the Tibetan community, offering flowers in honour of their sacrifices.

Sikyong then proceeded to the branch Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan medical and astro-science institute, where he had a brief visit, acknowledging the significant role the institution plays in preserving traditional Tibetan medicine and healing practices.

Later in the day, Sikyong visited STS School (Camp 1), where he interacted with young students.

Sikyong also took time to visit the Camp 1 and Sakya Monastery where he briefly toured the monastery, followed by a visit to the Nyingma Monastery where he inaugurated a newly constructed water tank, which will improve access to clean water for the monastery and surrounding area.

The final stop of his day-long visit was Gaden Lachi, where he addressed a gathering of monks organised by the Gaden Lachi Monastery. Speaking to the monks, Sikyong reiterated the importance of preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet, emphasising the role of monastic institutions in nurturing wisdom, compassion, and resilience within the Tibetan community.