
Tenzin Tsultrim Assumes Charge as New Tibetan Settlement Officer of Kullu District.
Dharamshala: Following the appointment orders issued by the Central Tibetan Administration’s Kashag and Department of Home on 23 December 2024, the official handover ceremony of the Tibetan Settlement Office in Kullu District took place on 16 January 2025. The interim Tibetan Settlement Officer cum accountant Dhondup Palmo formally handed over the charge to Administrative Additional Secretary Tenzin Tsultrim, the newly appointed Tibetan Settlement Officer, at the Tibetan Settlement Office in Kullu. Karma Namgyal, the Tibetan Settlement Officer of Bir Tibetan Society, attended the ceremony as the representative witness on behalf of the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration.
The handover process included the transfer of all official documents and files related to the six areas under the jurisdiction of the Kullu Tibetan Settlement Office, along with the inventory of office and residential quarters properties. Following this, a formal gathering was held at the Tibetan Settlement Office, attended by representatives from local monasteries, including Dagpo Shedrupling Monastery, Sakya Shedrup Chokor Ling Monastery and Von Ngari Monastery; the Chairman and members of the Local Tibetan Assembly; the local Men-Tsee-Khang doctor; the principal of Patlikuhl School; representatives of the Tibetan Women’s Association and community leaders from Bhuntar, Manali, 15 Mile, and Dobhi, alongside the office staff.
A public meeting was subsequently held at the Dobhi Community Hall, where the new Settlement Officer introduced himself and expressed gratitude to the community for their support to previous administrators. He urged for their continued cooperation in future endeavours. While the unexpected passing of the former Settlement Officer precluded detailed discussions on pending work, it was noted that most ongoing local projects had been completed.
Regarding upcoming events, it was announced that the upcoming celebration 2025 is the “Year of Compassion” to mark His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday as per the Western calendar. Detailed plans for the event will be carried out in coordination with central and local organizing committees. Furthermore, the Settlement Officer announced plans to visit all local institutions, including monasteries, schools and hospitals, once the residents return from seasonal sweater-selling after Losar (Tibetan New Year).
The handover witness, Karma Namgyal, confirmed the successful completion of the transfer process and requested public cooperation with the new Tibetan Settlement Officer. The ceremony concluded with local officials and members of the public offering ceremonial scarves (khadas) to welcome the new Tibetan Settlement Officer.
-Report filed by TSO, Kullu Manali