Sixteenth TPiE (Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile)
Mrs. Youdon Aukatsang
SPEAKER (30th May 2016-30th November 2018)
Ven Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was born at Rekhe in Kham in 1974 and started schooling when he was seven years old. At the age of 13, he joined Nari Tashi Choeling monastery and studied preliminary Buddhist teachings, meditation and rituals.
He fled to India in 1993 and received an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Later, he joined Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (Shedra) of Namdroling monastery, located in Bylakuppe, South India. He received Higher Secondary Degree, Bachelor Degree and Master of Buddhist philosophy in Buddhist sutras and tantras from the institute.
After completing his intensive Buddhist studies in 2003, he was appointed as a disciplinarian at Namdroling monastery by Kyabje Drubwang Penor Rinpoche. He served as a disciplinarian for three years before becoming a member of the 14th TPiE from 2006-2011. He was honoured with Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy (equivalent to Ph. D) in 2011.
He is the former Deputy Speaker of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. He was earlier elected to the 14th and 15th TPiE.
SPEAKER (1st December 2018-8th April 2021)
Mr. Pema Jungney was born in 1959, Ruthog Jangtod, Tibet. He attended CST Shimla and later, secured Shastri, Acharya and B.Ed degrees from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi.
He has worked as a teacher at Sakya Centre, Rajpur for three years and at New Tibetan School at Bir, Himachal Pradesh for two years.
He is the former Speaker (then termed as Chairman) of the 13th TPiE (earlier called as ATPD). He has also written two volume of book titled ‘Details on Evolution of Tibetan Democratic Polity’. He is also a member of the Charter Drafting Committee. In his over-28 years’ service in the Tibetan Parliament, he has served as the Chairman of around 30 parliamentary committees. He is also a visiting speaker at various workshops organised by CTA and NGOs.
Mr. Jungney is the longest serving parliamentarian in the 16th TPiE and presently he is the Speaker-elect for the second half of the term. He was previously elected to the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th TPiE.
DEPUTY SPEAKER
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok was born in 1962 at Leh, Ladakh. After graduating from CST Shimla, in 1988, he secured Acharya degree from CIHTS, Varanasi, where he served at various Student Committee posts from 1983-1987.
He organised the first International Tibet Support Group meeting at Dharamshala in 1989. He worked at the CIHTS from 1989-1991. He worked as an academic administrator and Tibetan language teacher at TCV Suja from 1992-1996. He was elected as the Joint Secretary of the National Democratic Party of Tibet from 1994-1996 and later elected as its president from 1997-2004.
He founded the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch in 1999. He has attended UNCHR Sub-Committee Session at Geneva in 2000. He attended various National and International Conferences from 1997-2004. He was the President of the Ngari Chithun Association and former executive programme officer at the Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre.
He was also appointed as a board member of Tibetan Culture in 2013, board member of Central University of Tibetan Studies, Varanasi in 2013, member of Maha Buddhist Society of India since 2014, Advisor of Sowarigpa Tibetan Traditional Medicine since 2015, and Advisor of ITFA, Dharamshala since 2015. He was earlier elected to the 14th and 15th TPiE.
Khenpo Jamphal Tenzin was born on 23 December 1982 at Minyak, Tibet. He became Monk at Rabgang monastery since childhood & later initiated intensive study of further Tibetan Buddhist lineage at the biggest Buddhist University, Serta Larung, for more than 10 years and achieved great result at highest position. He was entitled as abbot by local Monastery.
In 2005, he came to India and as accordance of Dzogchen Rinpoche’s wishes, he took responsibilities of teacher, administrator, chief editor as well as the chief personal assistant at the Dzogchen monastery. He was appointed as the chief abbot (khenpo) and Vice-chairperson of the monastery’s executive council in 2012.
He is also the former Secretary of Minyak Welfare Association & member of the standing committee of H.E. the Jigme Phuntsok’s Monlam committee.
Ven. Kunga Sotop was born on 1 January 1980 at Terton town of Derge Jondha, Kham province, eastern Tibet. He studied Tibetan and Chinese language at a local school for many years. In 1990, he moved to Tergar monastery to study Tibetan Buddhist practice and ritual traditions.
After coming into exile in 1996, he joined Palpung Sherbaling, Kagyur monastery based in Bir, Northern India and studied Buddhist philosophy for six years. From
2003-2007, he moved to Bylakuppe and furthered his studies on Buddhist dialectics at Sera Jhe monastery.
Currently, Ven. Kunga Sotop works at Tergar monastery in Bodhgaya.
Ven. Tenpa Yarphel was born at Chamdo Zagyu, Tibet in 1979. He became novice monk in Tsney Namgyal Choekorling Monastery. Later he studied fundamental Buddhist scriptures and philosophy from Khampa Ghar monastery and Serta larung Ghar University.
After escaping from Tibet into exile in India, he joined Sera Jey monastery in 2001 for further Buddhist philosophy studies. In 2004, he joined Sarah College for higher Tibetan studies and has completed his Thorim Rigney Rabjampa (Bachelor Degree) in 2008.
He worked as an editor at the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA from 2008-2011 and edited three volumes of books on history of over 300 monasteries including the 4 religious sects of Buddhism and Bon religion of Tibet. In 2011 he was elected to the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and he was re-elected to the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in 2016 and currently he is one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen was born in 1982 at Markham Tibet. He became a Buddhist monk at Tsechen Shedup Thekchokling monastery at the age of eight and began studying Buddhist Philosophy at the age of 14.
He escaped from Tibet in 2000 and joined Sakya Centre Rajpur, Dehradun for high Buddhist philosophy studies for 3 years. Later he enrolled in Sakya Institute Purawala for further studies. He attained Shastri and Acharya Degree in Buddhist philosophy in 2015.
He served as Buddhist philosophy teacher at Sakya Institute from 2010-2014. Presently, he is one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Master of Buddhist philosophy
khenpo kada Ngedup Sonam was born in Kham kaze in year 1979, (Kada providence ).1)LIFE EXPERIENCE TILL DATE: Member of parliament, Authored of 14 Books till date related with Buddhist Philosophy , Former member of RTYC , Former Member of Bir Tihor community, Member of International PEN. Currently, he is the Head of the dasa Tihor community and serving as master of Buddhist philosophy at T.C.V Gopalpur school and still putting his heartfelt efforts to satiate his hunger for learning and render his services to meet other’s end.
2)EDUCATION QULIFICATION: Sharstri,Acharya,Khenpo(Abbot) PH.D from Dzongsar Buddhist Institution and B.A , M.A in Tibetan Grammar , Poetry , History, Political , Mathematical and Chinese language etc from Panchen Athiny University in 1996.
Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tsetan born on 12 January 1983 in Tibet. In 1991, he fled into exile and joined Drepung Gomang monastery in India.
He worked as a Vice-President of All Gelug His Holiness’ Long Life Offerring Committee and the President of its standing committee. In 2015, he was honoured with Geshe Larampa degree (Ph.d of Buddhist Philosophy).
He was previously elected to the 15th TPiE. Currently serving as one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th TPiE.
Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende was born in 1977 at Kham Bathang, Tibet. He studied in local primary school and later joined in Ba Zirgon Monastery for Buddhist studies.
He escaped into exile in 1992 and joined Drepung Loseling monastery. He was honored with bachelor in Buddhist Philosophy in 2002 and masters in Buddhist Philosophy in 2005. In 2009 he secured Vinaya degree and PhD in Buddhist philosophy.
He was elected as a Joint Secretary of Local Tibetan Assembly, Mundgod for two terms. He was also elected as the President of Local Tibetan Freedom Movement for two terms. In 2011 he was elected as a Treasurer of the Central Dhokham Chushi Gangdrung and presently serving its second term.
Geshe Monlam Tharchin was born in 1968, at Khyungpo Karru, Eastern Tibet. After finishing his primary education, he studied and practiced Bon Sutra, Tantra, Tsalung Yoga and Dzogchen for several years.
In 1992, he came to exile and furthered his studies at Pal Shenten Menriling, India and Palden Triten Norbutse, Nepal. In 2002 he was honored with Geshe degree (PhD) at Menri Monastery.
He has also worked as an adviser and teacher for researchers and scholars about traditional scriptural systems of Bon and Tibet. He has been participating in intellectual campaigns, writing and posting articles in newspapers, magazines and websites both in Tibet and in exile.
He has been editing and proof-reading both cultural and political books. He worked on the 13 volumes of collected works by H.E Yongzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche and the 21 volumes of autobiography by Kalon Trisur Juchen Thubten Namgyal (former Prime Minister of the CTA).
He was earlier elected to the 14th and 15th TPiE and is currently one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th TPiE.
Mr. Tsewang Tashi Bhara was born on 15 June 1980 at Dolanji, Himachal Pradesh. He attended CST Dolanji and CST Paonta Sahib. He was among the first batch of graduates in Zhang-Bod Sorig Bumshi Therapy.He worked as a cashier of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress from 2003–2004. He became the Secretary of the Tibetan Sweater Sellers Association, Dhanbad from 2005 – 2013, later appointed as its President from 2014-15. At the age of 25, he was elected to the member of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA), Dolanji. He served as the cashier of the LTA from 2006 -2009 and served as a full-fledged member of the assembly from 2009-2012. He also worked as the President of the local Tibetan freedom movement and the Secretary of the Dhanbad Tibetan freedom movement.
He is serving as the Chairman of the LTA, Dolanji and the member of the Governing Council of Tibetan Bonpo Foundation.
Mr. Dhondup Tashi was born on 3 June 1971 at Leh, Ladakh. He attended TCV School Ladakh and Dharamshala. He completed MA in Economics, Bachelor of Education and PGD in Journalism.
He worked as a teacher in TCV Ladakh for 14 years and an Economics lecturer at Lamdon Model Senior Secondary school, Ladakh for two years. He was the first elected Chief Representative Officer of Sonamling Tibetan Settlement, Ladakh in 2010 and was re-elected in 2013. During the course, he took charge of Regional Election Commissioner for six years and Local Justice Commissioner for more than two years. He was also one of the active members of 33rd Kalachakra Organizing Committee in 2014 in Ladakh.
Ms. Dolma Tsering was born in 1956 at Dagne, Tibet. She did her schooling at CST Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh and Mussoorie. Following her bachelors and teacher training course, she worked as a teacher in various Tibetan schools for 26 years for which she was facilitated by the Dept. of Education of the CTA. During her 17 years at CST Kollegal, she worked as the Cultural Secretary of the RTYC and during her nine years at TCV Upper, she was elected as the Secretary of TCV Staff Welfare Association. She was also elected as the President of 9th and 10th U-Tsang Central Executive Committee.
She was also a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, USA in 2002, where she studied Special Education. Ms. Tsering was previously elected to the 13th, 14th and 15th TPiE and currently serving as one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th TPiE.
Ms. Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari was born in 1986 in Dharamshala. After completing her schooling from TCV Schools, she secured Master’s degree in English Literature.
In 2012, she undertook the Walk of Faith for Peace and Freedom in Tibet, in solidarity with the self-immolators and political prisoners in Tibet.
She taught Literature at the DBS (PG) College until 2013 when she joined Tibetan Women’s Association to work as a Project Coordinator for ‘Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women’ for 8 months.
From 2013-2016, she worked as the Vice President of Guchusum Movement Association of Tibet. Whereas as on September 2016, she was elected as the President of the association and currently serving the post.
Ms. Samten Chodon is residing in Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, in 1992 she graduated with a bachelor degree in Commerce from Teresian College, Mysore. She has served the Tibetan Community for more than 23 years in different fields: Assistant Accountant cum Secretary in Finance Department, Bylakuppe branch from 1993-1994, Auditor at office of Auditor General, CTA from 1995-1997 and accountant in Lugsung Samdupling Tibetan Cooperative Society from 1998-2009 and was later promoted to Assistant Manager and then to the post of Manager.
She joined Tibetan Women’s Association in 1990 and was elected as executive member from 2003-2006 and later as its President from 2006-2009. She worked as the chief accountant during Peace March from Dharamshala to Tibet, organised by five leading NGOs in 2008.
From 2009-2015, Ms. Chodon was elected as the Vice President of the Central Tibetan Women’s Association and served for two consecutive term.
Mr. Dawa Phunkyi was born in 1963, in Dharamshala, India. He attended TCV School, Dharamshala. He pursued diploma in Health Management and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Health Administration from Christian Medical College, Vellore, and St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore respectively.
He worked as a Project Officer at the Dept. of Health, CTA and as the Secretary of Tibetan Delek Hospital. He also served at various NGOs for several years, including as the President of the RTYC, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Party of Tibet, the Senior Vice-President of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, Director of Community Service Rotary Club, Dharamshala, and Vice President of the U-Tsang Cholkha Association. Presently he is the Chief Administrator of Tibetan Delek Hospital since 2006. Mr. Phunkyi was earlier elected to the 13th, 14th and 15th TPiE.
Mr. Dawa Tsering was born in 1954 in Dhingri Rachu. He came to exile when he was five years and studied at CST Dalhousie and CST Shimla. He is a social-worker, engaging mainly with adult education, Buddhist education for laypeople and youth empowerment. He is currently he is the Director of Yongling School at Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala.
Mr. Tsering was previously a member of the 12th (resigned in favour of serving as Welfare Officer), 13th (directly nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama), 14th and 15th TPiE.
Migyur Dorjee was born on 1953 in Thoding in Ngari Province of Tibet. Following his schooling from Central School for Tibetan, Darjeeling, he pursued his studies in B.Com from St. Joseph’s College Darjeeling (North Bengal University), a short course in Public Administration at the State University of New York (USA) and in-service course at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (a Premier institute for the civil servants) based in Delhi.He joined the CTA in 1976 and served for 37 years at various posts including chief representative, Ladakh from 1981-1986, Secretary, Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and later Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi from 1986-1994, Political Secretary in Kashag from 1994-1997, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, U.K from 1997-2002, Deputy Envoy in Brussels for EU from 2002-2005, Kadrung (Cabinet Secretary) from 2005 to 2011 and Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in South Africa from 2011-2013.
Parliamentarian Namgyal Qusar (Menrampa) was born on 2nd October 1960. He is a Medical practitioner of Tibetan traditional Medicine. After completing his schooling from the Central School for Tibetan (CST), he graduated from Men-Tsee-Khang Institute Dharamsala in 1987 with Kachupa Degree (equivalent to MBBS) and then with Menrampa Degree (equivalent to MD) in 1997. He started his career as a Researcher at the Research and Development Department of Men-Tsee-Khang in 1987 and later held the post of Deputy Director of Research & Development Department, Men-Tsee-khang until 1999.
During his work in Men-Tsee-khang, he pioneered in the development of several Sorig Health Products for Men-Tsee-Khang and designed several Tibetan medicine clinical research projects. He was also the editor of Men-Tsee-Khang’s journal and wrote a handbook on food and exercise on the basis of Sowa Rigpa in French language. Likewise, under the CTA Health Department’s project, he has worked on translating the books entitled, ‘Where there is no Doctor’ and ‘Handbook of Mental Health’ from English to Tibetan language.
He has been a visiting professor of Tibetan medicine at Norbulingka Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Dharamsala since 2001 and the Founding Director of Qusar Tibetan Healing Centre, Dharamsala (H.P.) From 2004-2006, he worked as a general secretary of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine, Dharamsala and from 2008-2010, Mr. Qusar has collaborated with the Tubingen University Hospital of Germany in treating 524 cardiac patients with the comparison of Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Western diet that later was published and praised in International Journal of Cardiology in 2013.
He has travelled to more than 19 countries for Seminars, Workshops and Conferences. He is also one of the key resource persons on Tibetan Medicine Training and Courses to Tibetan Medicine Physicians and currently working on new Tibetan medicine clinical projects.
Mr Namgyal Qusar has done numerous social services and has received many awards and certificates for his outstanding contribution in the field of Tibetan medicine.
Ms. Yangchen Dolkar was born in exile. Following her B. Sc. Zoology from Northeastern Hill University, Shillong and M. Sc. in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, she pursued Diploma in Computer Application from Aptech, Shillong and Diploma in Retail Management from Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
She worked as a General Secretary at RTYC and Regional Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk, Shillong from 2007-2010 and simultaneously Treasurer at Northeastern chapters of RTYC from 2008-2010; and Secretary at local Jhalupara Area Development in 2009.
She is one of the founding members of Dege Gyalyong Welfare Society and currently serving as its General Secretary. Ms. Dolkar was earlier elected to the 15th TPiE.
Mr. Serta Tsultrim Toktsa-Tsang was born in Kham Serta, Tibet. After coming into exile in 1998, he continued his studies in Transit School.
He worked at the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA and also worked as an editor and researcher at the Cultural and Literary Research Centre of Norbulingka.
He is the founder and Executive Director of Khawa Karpo Tibet Culture Centre, a non-profit organization based in Dharamshala. He is also the Tibetan Editor-in-Chief at Bod-Kyi-Bangchen (The Tibet Express).
He is a writer and has published several articles, poetries, research works and books. He also worked as a coordinator at the Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ). Mr. Tsultrim was earlier elected to the 14th and 15th TPiE.
Mr. Dorjee Tseten was born at Bir Tibetan Refugee settlement, Himachal Pradesh. He obtained his BA in Economics and PGD in Human Rights Studies from MS University, Gujarat.During his college years, he has served as the President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Baroda. He worked as a trainer at the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution. He became a member of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) India in 2009 and later became served as SFT India’s National Director for four years. He joined SFT International in 2013.
Mr. Tseten is currently the Director of a SFT Asia and Steering Committee of International Tibet Network.
Ms. Youdon Aukatsang was schooled at St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun. Following her completion of BA at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University and MA in International Politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, she further secured MA degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA.
She has been serving the Tibetan community in various capacities for more than 15 years. She has previously worked as a Research Associate at the Tibetan Women’s Association, a Senior Program Officer at Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) and an Independent Consultant based in New Delhi for Kreddha International, an organization based in The Hague, the Netherlands.
She is the Founding Director of Empowering the Vision Project (ENVISION). She also serves on the board of Empowering the Vision Project, Buddhist Women’s Educational Society and TCHRD. Ms. Aukatsang was earlier elected to the member of the 14th and 15th TPiE.
Mr. Konchok Yangphel was born in Markham, Tibet and fled to India in 1993. He attended high school at TCV Suja and Senior Secondary School at TCV Upper. He was the recipient of the prestigious Sherig Best Boy award for excellence. He completed BA Political Science from Ramjas College, DU in 2005 and MA Political Science from DU in 2007. During his college years, he worked as the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Delhi. He later became an executive member of the Tibetan Youth Congress for two consecutive terms from 2007-13 during which has traveled across the world including US, Europe and Australia for campaigns and presentations on Tibet-related issues.
He is the former General Secretary of International Maitreya Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation in Delhi. Mr. Yangphel is currently serving as one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th TPiE.
Mr. Pema Delek was born in 1952 in Lingtsang, Kham, Tibet. After arriving in exile in 1959, he studied at CST Bylakuppe and Namdroling Monastery, Bylakuppe before joining Sanskrit University in Varanasi.
He served as the Secretary and subsequently the President of Arlikumari Milk Producers’ Cooperative Society from 1980-1982 and was elected as a Camp Leader in 1983-1984. He was one of the Directors of Tibetan Cooperative Society (TCS) Ltd., Bylakuppe and also became its first elected Secretary from 1985-1989 and the President for two terms from 2004-2014. He served as the Vice-Chairman and later the Chairman of the Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives in India. He served as Assistant Regional Election Officer for two terms.
He is currently the President of TCS Ltd., Bylakuppe, the Chairman of the Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives in India and the President of the 19th and the current 20th Working Committee of Welfare Society of Central Dhokham Chushi Gangdrug. Mr. Delek was earlier elected to the 11th TPiE formerly known as ATPD.
Mr. Lobsang Dakpa was born on 1 October 1982. He was schooled at Chinese Government School at Lithang. After coming into exile, he attended TCV Suja from 2000-05 and TCV Gopalpur from 2006-07, where he was elected as a school captain and also appointed as a chief editor of a Chinese magazine. He pursued law at National Law School of India University, Bangalore 2008-2010 and JSS Law College, Mysore (LL.B) from 2011-13. He also studied LL.M in Corporate Law at Christ Law School Bangalore in 2014.
Mr. Dakpa received Tibetan Exile lawyer certificate in 2010. He was the General Secretary of Tibetan Legal Association (TLA) before becoming the President in 2014. He is a member of International Tibet-China Pen association registered in USA since 2014.
Mr. Ngawang Tharpa Gewatsang was born in 1980 in Sog Dzong, Kham, Tibet. He studied Buddhist Philosophy and Science at Tsendhen monastery in Sog Dzong. Fleeing to India in 1996, he studied at Tibetan Transit School for three years.
From 2000-2006, he worked at Norbulingka Institute as the section head at the Archive and Computer sections and has created around 20 bi-lingual websites during his spare time. He was also a member of Dharamshala Information Technology Group (DITG). In 2007, as an active member of Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), he has conducted several workshops at various Tibetan settlements in India on protection of environment, particularly against the use of animal skin. Since 2006, he has been working as administrator, web-master and reporter at Khawa Karpo Tibet Culture Centre in Dharamshala.
Mr. Gewatsang is also the President of the 8th LTA, Dharamshala, the President of Dra-Sog-Dri-Sum Association and the Vice-Gen. Secretary of Central Dhokham Chushi-Gangdruk.
Mr. Lobsang Yeshi is an alumnus of SFF Tibetan School Herbertpur. He attained B.A/B.Ed degree from Punjab University, Chandigarh in 1992. During his college days, he served as the General Secretary of Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and Vice President of Foreign Students’ Association in Chandigarh.
Later he served as a teacher in CST Paonta Sahib School for 2 years. From 1994-99, he worked as a researcher and translator in Tibetan Affairs Monitor and Research Unit in Delhi. He worked as a teacher in Sera Jey Secondary School in Bylakuppe for seven years and simultaneously worked as the Secretary of Central Executive Committee of TYC and later as its Vice President. From 2007 to 2013, he served at CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiatives as a board member, Coordinator and an HIV-Trainer. He is also an independent researcher and produces research papers and articles on Sino-Indo-Tibetan Affairs.
Mr. Yeshi was earlier elected as the member of 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Parliamentarian Tsering Dolma was born on 26 May 1978 in Shillong, Meghalaya. After completing her schooling at the Central School for Tibetan Darjeeling, the Parliament Member completed her bachelor’s degree from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). Tsering Dolma has served as a member, executive committee member, & secretary of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), and also as a member & secretary of the Regional Tibetan Women Association.
The Parliament Member has whole-heartedly participated in numerous government and nongovernmental campaigns, especially in the political campaign organized by the Kashag and Parliament in 2013. Likewise, she also took responsibility for the regional election commission at Shillong as a Dotoe member and as a member of the region’s Chushi Gangdruk. Currently, the MP is serving as the Chair of the Local Tibetan Assembly in Shillong.
Mr. Thupten Lungrig was born in Amdo Rebkong, Tibet, in 1957. He attended CST Dalhousie. He obtained his Masters or ‘Acharya’ Degree from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Varanasi, India in 1981.
He has served the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) for 15 years in various capacities as a teacher at TCV Dharamshala from 1981-1992, as a Principal and Director of TCV Suja from 1991-1993.
He is a former Deputy Speaker (then termed as Vice-Chairman) during the 12th TPiE (then referred as ATPD). He is also elected as the Speaker of the 13th ATPD and served the office from June -September 2001, before electing to the 12th Kashag as a Kalon of Department of Religion and Culture and Department of Education, and the joint portfolio of the Departments of Health.
He was also appointed as the Kalon of the Department of Education during 13th Kashag from 2006-2011. Mr. Lungrig was an earlier member of the 12th (directly nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama), 13th and 15th TPiE.
Mr. Tashi Dhondup was born in 1972 at Mustang, Nepal. He has a diploma in Hotel Management.
He initiated his career as a Front Desk officer, later promoted to Reservation Manager and Front Office Manager in Hotel Mount Annapurna (P) Ltd., Pokhara from 1991-2000. Later he was transferred to Hotel Tibet International (P) Ltd., Kathmandu by the Department of Finance, CTA as Deputy General Manager from 2000-2002 and got promoted to General Manager within a year.
From 1998-2000, he worked as an Executive member of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Jampaling, Pokhara and later in the Hotel Gangjong (P) Ltd. He also worked at Hotel Manang (P) Ltd. as an Executive Manager for seven years.
Currently, he is an executive member of Central Dhomet Association, Dharamshala, and the Vice President of Regional Dhomay Association, Nepal and as an administrator of Tsering Elders Home, Kathmandu. He was earlier elected to the 15th TPiE.
Ms. Tsering Lhamo was born in 1969 at Amdo Ngaba, Tibet. After graduating from school, she worked as a Tibetan and Chinese translator at Political Session in 1991.
After fleeing to exile in India in 1992, she started working at the Research and Analysis, now known as Tibet Policy Institute of the CTA. She has also translated several notable books. In 1999, she moved to Taiwan and worked as a news reporter at Radio Free Asia for a year and at Voice of America for seven years. After returning to India, she worked at Department of Security and subsequently at the Department of Information and International Relations as a website editor and the head of China desk for six years.
Ms. Yeshi Dolma was born in 1971 in Dharamshala. She completed her school from TCV Dharamshala.
From 1996-99, she served as the executive member of Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA), Dharamshala. In 2003 she served as a Cashier of the Regional Dhomay Association, Dharamshala. From 2003 – 06, she was elected as an executive member of Central Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA). In 2005, Tibetan Women’s Association undertook an All India Peace March, during which Ms. Dolma led 170 participants from Dehradun to Delhi.
In 2006-09, she was re-elected as an executive member of the TWA. In 2009, she was elected as the board member of the Central Dhomay Association and served as the President of the association. Ms. Dolma was earlier elected to 14th and 15th TPiE.
Mr. Lugtsang Gyari Thar was born in 1972 at Mangra Lugtsang, Domey province of Tibet. He finished primary, secondary school at district level and high school at state level school. In 1992, he graduated from Tsolug Tibetan nationality Autonomous region teacher training Centre. He served as professional teacher for 11 years in Tibet.
He fled into exile in 2002 and since then he has edited more than 40 magazines and books.
He served as a member of Dhasa Regional Election Commission for two terms from 2009-2016. He was also elected as the General Secretary to Domey Central Executive Committee for 6 years. He also worked as an executive member of ‘His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday Celebration Committee.
He was earlier elected to the 15th TPiE. He is one of the editors of ‘Details on Evolution of Tibetan Democratic Polity in Exile. Presently he is one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th TPiE.
Mr. Lobsang Choejor was born on 1982 in Rebkong, Amdo province of Tibet. He did his schooling in Tibet.
After coming India in 2003, he studied in Institute of Buddhist Dialectic, Dharamsala. With the generosity of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in 2006, he studied English at the British Council based in Delhi, and also from 2007-09, he studied Chinese language at Tamkang University, Taiwan. He joined Central Tibetan Administration as a researcher at History section. From 2009-10, sent by Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was appointed in 13th Kashag lenthab Committee and served from 2011-2012. From 2012-14, he worked as an Assistant Director at Centre Office of Tibet People’s Movement for MWA.
He has authored several books on history, politics, culture and poetries. ‘Raising Sino-Tibet Issue’, ‘Political Analysis’, and Amey Bhu (Mother’s Son) to name a few. He has also published articles and reviews online. Currently he works in Dhomey history section at Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Choejor was one of the Standing Committee members of the 16th TPiE.
Mr. Dhondup Tashi was born in Hortsang Takrang village, Amdo Province in Tibet. In 1997, he studied Buddhist Philosophy and Medical at Labrang Tashi Kyil and also did correspondent study in western philosophy and contemporary social science.
In 2000, he acquired his master’s from Xi bei min zu xue yuan where he studied: Tibet history; literature; Tibetan linguistic study and ancient orthography.
After coming into exile in 2002, he continued his studies at Sherab Gatsel Lobling School where he studied English, computer and etc., and jointly served as an editor of the school magazine and Tibetan language teacher.
He is an editor of Domey Den-gyab writers club since 2008 and also served as a vice president of Tibetan journalist Association from 2007 to 2010.
Since 2007, Mr. Tashi started working at Tibet Times as reporter, a senior reporter by 2008 and subeditor in 2009. He was designated to current position of chief-editor in 2010 and continues to date.
Mr. Sonam Norbu Ratsa was born in Dholanji, Himachal Pradesh. After his schooling in CST Shimla, he pursued Under Graduation at Punjab University. He was previously working for Financial Markets Foundation Course, an ISO 2007 certified American Financial Corporation for four years and was associated with several Indian NGOs imparting free education to the underprivileged children and adults.
He is currently working in Royal Bank of Canada since 2010 as a Senior Consultant.
Mr. Karma Gelek was born on 1 January 1962 in Gangtok Sikkim. He went to CST Mussoorie. In 1985, he enrolled in Special Frontier Force (SFF) and served for over 12 years. During the period of the 12 years of services he got opportunity to serve as private security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the latter’s residence in Dharamshala for 3 years.
He was elected as a member of Local Tibetan Assembly, Bhandara Tibetan settlement from 1998 to 2016 for over 18 years where he was also worked as the Chairman the assembly for 12 years. He also served as an executive member of the Central Dhomay Association for three terms.
Presently Mr. Gelek is the President of All India Tibetan Refugee Trader’s Association and an executive member of the Central Dhomay Association.
Ms. Tsering Youdon was born in Dehradun and studied in SFF children school. She holds diplomas in computer and Secretarial from Bangalore and Masters in Political Science from Mysore.
From 1982 to 1991 worked with MYRADA as Secretary then Program Assistant and later as system supervisor and Sponsorship Assistant. From 1991-2000, she joined Representative Office of Tibetan Rabgayling Settlement as Project Officer. She was also a member of Regional election committee for three terms. Simultaneously, got elected as President of RTWA and President of Regional Domey Association from 1994-97. In the year 2000-03, she was elected as the President of Parents Association of Rabgayling. From 2001-04 she was elected as treasurer and later as a Vice-President of RTYC. In 2005, became first elected President of TRL Co-op. Society.
Ms. Youdon was earlier elected to the 14th and 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Parliamentarian Ven. Geshe Gangri was born on 22nd October 1982 in Ngaba region of Tibet. Since 2005, Geshe Gangri has served the Tibetan cause in numerous capacities, shouldering responsibility of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretaries of many Tibetan NGOs and member of Tibetan Local Assembly of Mundgod. In order to spread awareness of Tibet’s issue, Geshe Gangri partook in an all India cycle rally and march in 2009. In 2011, he was honoured with the Geshe Degree (equivalent to Ph.D.) from Drepung Monastery.
In 2010, Geshe Gangri took responsibility as the editor and distributor for a newspaper entitled, ‘Tibetan Parliamentarian’ during the election of Sikyong and Parliamentarians. Likewise, he has published numerous research articles on newspapers, magazines, internet, etc.
Geshe Gangri served as executive committee member of Mundgod Regional Domey Association, executive committee member of 15th Central Domey Association, and organizing committee member of 80th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Followed by President of the 16th Central Domey Association’s executive committee and currently Geshe Gangri is serving as the President of the 17th Central Domey Association’s executive committee.
Parliamentarian Sonam Wangmo was born on 18 August 1972 to father Thaklung Gendhun Lama and mother Tsering Tso in Dhondupling Tibetan Settlement in Dehradun. After completing her school education at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy School in Dehradun, the MP completed her bachelor’s degree from DAV (PG) College in Dehradun and a Master in English from IGNOU in 2019. Likewise, she did her diploma in accounts and computers from ‘Diploma in Accountancy from Account Age’ and currently employed at the Administration Department of the Unison World School.
In order to serve the Tibetan people, the Parliamentarian made her contribution in teaching English at the Dhondupling settlement school for four years. She also served as a member of the Domey executive committee of Dehradun from 1997 to 2002 as well as a member of the Local Tibetan Assembly. The MP has been a member of the regional election commission and its Chair for 5 years. From 2003 to 2006, she served as a member of the Central Domey Association (Finance Head) and as the secretary of the Central Domey Association from 2006 to 2009. She has also been the director of the Domey Agu Pema Art Association.
Mr. Jampa Tsering Samdho was born in Bylakuppe in 1971. He has BA (Shastri) and MA (Acharya) degrees from the Central Institution of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi. He was the President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein from 2001-2004. He was a language teacher of Tibetan school at Rikon. From November 2005, he served as a Vice-President of LHASA BOYS Association. He was also the Co-Secretary General of the organising committee ‘The Dalai Lama in Switzerland 2005’.Currently Mr. Samdho serves as the Secretary of Tibetan Community in Rikon, Switzerland since 2010.
Ms. Pema Chagzoetsang worked in Tibetan Homes Foundation Office, India from 1978-1983. She served in various positions: Board member of the New Hope Multi-Cultural Center from 1992-96; President of Utah Tibetan Association (UTA) for two terms 1998 -2000 & 2010-2014; Utah Governor’s Asian Council from 2005-2009, Board member of the Tibet Fund from 1997-2007, Director of Utah State Refugee for several years.
She coordinated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first-ever historic visit to Utah in 2001 and second visit in 2016. In May 2012, she successfully nominated His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the prestigious Templeton Prize.
Currently, she is working for the State Community Services Office, administering Federal and state grants for statewide Homelessness, Low-income and HIV Programs.
Ms. Chagzoetsang was honoured with several awards including YWCA’s Women of the Year Social Service and the JC Penny Award for Social Service in 1992.
Mr. Tsewang Rigzin was born in Gangtok and was raised in Bylakuppe, India. He attended CST Chowkur and CST Gurupura schools. He joined Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School in Gangtok and St. Philomena’s College in Mysore, South India.From 1999-2002, he served as an executive member of RTYC, Minnesota. From 2004 – 2006, he worked as a board member of International Tibet Independence Movement founded by Taktser Rinpoche, an elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. From 2005–2007, he served as the President of RTYC, Portland & Vancouver. Later he was elected as the President of the Central Executive Committee of TYC for two consecutive terms from 2007-2010 and 2010-2013.Mr. Rigzin had also participated in World Council, World Congress and Asia Pacific meetings of International Union of Socialist Youth and had met numerous eminent foreign diplomats to discuss the issue of Tibet.
Ms. Kyinzom Dhongdue was born in Bylakuppe, South India. She was schooled at TCV Dharamshala. She did her Undergraduate in English literature in Delhi University and subsequently Post-Graduation in Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
After graduation, she worked with various newspapers in New Delhi including the Times of India for over four years. Later she moved to Australia in 2005.
Since 2010, Ms. Dhongdue has been the campaign manager at Australia Tibet Council. Currently she is the Australasia representative of the Steering Committee of International Tibet Network.