Shimla: On 8 August 2024, as per the direction from the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Dharamshala, a formal handing and taking over ceremony took place between the Chief Representative cum Managing Director (MD) Tsewang Phuntsok and the new MD Shawo Dhundup of the Tibetan Handicraft Society at the new Tibetan Refugee Self Help handicraft society office Shimla, witnessed by the President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Tenzin. The event marked a significant transition in the administration.

The Board Members and members of the Handicraft Society voluntarily passed a resolution and offered the entire administration of the Handicraft Society to the Department of Home, CTA, in 1981. Thereafter, the Chief Representative Office, earlier also called the Tibetan Welfare Office and Tibetan Settlement Office, respectively, managed the daily administration. As of now, its administration has been fully transferred back to its own management to streamline a uniform administration like other Tibetan handicraft and cooperative societies independently.

The ceremony commenced with traditional ritual prayers and the inauguration of the new Handicraft Society’s office, followed by the handing over the files, stamps, and important documents under the custody of the MD. Subsequently, the outgoing and new MD offered Tibetan ceremonial scarves to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and exchange of the seat.

Furthermore, the representatives from Dorje Drak and Jonang monasteries, Tibetan Regional Women’s Association, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, NGO other representatives, and the public of handicrafts also attended to grace the function and offered traditional scarfs to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former and new MD.

Kunchok Tsering, the President of the Board Member, talked about the background and transitional history of the handicraft society. The former MD Tsewang Phuntsok also briefed about the present significant transition. He reiterated the importance of unity, cooperation and support to the new MD for the success and enhancement of the handicraft. He extended his best wishes and regards to him and the handicraft. Shawo Dhondup explained the dedication and commitment that his late father imbibed him to serve the community. The ceremony ended with serving lunch.

-Report filed by Chief Representative Office, Shimla