Tibetan Parliamentary Delegation Concludes Visit to Shillong
Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, a parliamentary delegation consisting of MP Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten and MP Tenzin Jigdal successfully concluded their periodical visit to North East India with their final program in Shillong, Meghalaya.
On 15 November, the MPs were received by Shillong Settlement Officer in Guwahati, and upon their arrival in Shillong they were received by Chair of the Local Tibetan Assembly, President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL), member of the Election Commission, Headmaster and teachers of the STS school, Khenpo of Gaden Choekorling monastery, and others.
On 17 November, they were invited as the Chief Guests to the 25th founding day celebration of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS). The event commenced with an introduction to STSS, its annual report, cultural presentations, and speeches from visiting MPs, followed by a thank-you note from the school headmaster.
Addressing the gathering, MP Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten emphasised the Central Tibetan Administration’s prioritisation of providing quality education to young Tibetan children, who are the future of Tibet. He highlighted the importance of teachers and proper facilities in fostering the children’s holistic development.
Meanwhile, MP Tenzin Jigdal underscored the crucial role of parents as the first teachers in a child’s life. In addition to formal education, he stressed the need for parents and teachers to nurture the seed of nationalism in children. An exhibition showcasing Tibet’s rivers, mountains, rocks, as well as the biography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was also held during the event.
After the program, the MPs were welcomed by Khenpo and other monks at Gaden Choekorling Monastery, where they paid their respects. Sixteen Geshe from Loseling Monastery were present to perform prayers and give teachings, following the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The MPs were informed that during one of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visits to Shillong, he had advised that the area be established as one of the centres of Buddhism. As a result, a monastery is being constructed at the site, which the MPs visited to inspect and inquire about the construction’s progress.
On 18 November, the MPs visited the Local Tibetan Assembly, where they were joined by the Chair of the LTA and the Settlement Officer. This was followed by a public meeting in which the MPs delivered their addresses. A closed-door meeting with the TSO and other local leaders was then held, discussing various issues concerning the scattered community. The visit concluded with a stop at the Settlement Office, followed by a dinner hosted by the Tibetan community in honour of the visiting MPs.
On 19 November, the MPs departed Shillong for Dharamshala via Delhi, successfully concluding their official visit to Shillong.
-Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat
