Dehradun: On 2 October 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited Tibetan Homes Foundation School (THF) and Sambhota Tibetan Day School in Mussoorie (STS), where he addressed the students and staff of both schools.
On the morning, Sikyong Penpa Tsering traveled from Dehradun to Mussoorie. Upon arriving at Tibetan Homes School around 10 a.m, he was warmly welcomed by General Secretary of Mussoorie Tibetan Home School, Tenzin Choklang, and Sambhota School’s Principal Sangpo Rigzin, along with students and staff from both schools performing traditional music.
Afterwards, in the Tsering Dolma Hall of Tibetan Homes School, students from grade 9 and above, along with staff from both schools, gathered for a meeting. The General Secretary of Tibetan Homes Foundation delivered a welcome speech and presented the school’s report, followed by Principal Sangpo Rigzin presenting the report for Sambhota School. Then, the Sikyong addressed the gathering.
While lauding the teachers for their dedicated services, Sikyong began his address referring to the Tibetan saying “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst,” he explained that while the hope is to resolve the Tibet issue, preparation requires hard work. He noted that since the elder generation of Tibetans who came into exile and worked for Tibet’s freedom under His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership are gradually passing away, it is now crucial to mobilise younger generations to make them carry the baton of Tibetan freedom struggle.
Sikyong emphasised that Tibetan children should have pride in being Tibetan and maintain their cultural dignity. For this, Sikyong stressed the importance of understanding Tibet’s history and current issues. He introduced the historical development of Tibet, the value and significance of Tibetan writing, and the history and evolution of Tibet-China conflicts. He further implored Tibetan youths to pay attention to and study their own history.
In relation to this, Sikyong explained that the Kashag (Cabinet) is working to gain recognition of Tibet’s historical status as a sovereign nation to strengthen the support for policy of Middle Way Approach. Hence, Sikyong acknowledged that a hearing on Tibet was conducted in the U.S. for the said reason that eventually resulted in enactment of the “Resolve Tibet Act”.
Additionally, regarding His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, Sikyong disclosed that since the Chinese government will certainly interfere in the recognition process, Tibetans have passed resolutions affirming that the authority to recognise the reincarnation lies solely with His Holiness. Sikyong also suggested the importance of securing similar resolutions from Himalayan Buddhists communities, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and the international community. He mentioned that the Department of Religion and Culture is compiling these resolutions to strategically counter China’s interference in the reincarnation issue.
Furthermore, through a PowerPoint presentation, Sikyong explained Tibet’s geographical location, its environmental and geopolitical importance to the world and Asia, and how Tibetan religion and culture benefit humanity. Afterwards, he answered questions from some students.
In the afternoon, Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited the Sambhota Tibetan Day School and gave a speech in English to the staff and students, primarily Indian students. First, Principal Sangpo Rigzin welcomed him and presented a brief school report. Then, the Sikyong gave his speech, expressing gratitude to the Indian government and people for assisting in the establishment of Tibetan schools in India. He explained that Tibetans consider India a holy land and that there are strong historical ties between Tibet and India, and noted that Tibetan Buddhism originated from India and His Holiness describes himself as an ambassador of ancient Indian wisdom.
Sikyong also addressed the declining number of Tibetan students in Tibetan schools and the increasing number of Indian students. He explained that the Tibetan administration’s continued provision of education to Indian students is a way of showing gratitude to the Indian government and people. He mentioned that due to decreasing student numbers, some schools need to be consolidated. He then spoke primarily to the Indian students about the importance of the Tibetan plateau, the development of Tibetan history, and Indo-Tibetan relations, followed by answering students’ questions.
After that, Sikyong inspected land that the Tibetan Homes School plans to sell, and then visited the local Tibetan market area to examine issues raised by the community regarding their difficulties.