Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phunstok along with Darjeeling Settlement Officer Tenzin Norden, President Tseten Norbu of NDPT, and other dignitaries of Darjeeling
Dharamsala: Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok gives talks on ‘Democracy and Unity’ in Darjeeling, Sonada, and Ravangla which is organized by the National Democratic Party of Tibet’s (NDPT).
Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok upon his arrival at Bagdogra Airport on 6 November was greeted and received by Settlement Officer of Darjeeling along with President of Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement and the President of National Democratic Party of Tibet. Thereafter, on reaching Darjeeling, he was welcomed by representatives of governmental Organizations and NGOs.
Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phunstok being received by Darjeeling Settlement Officer Tenzin Norden, President Tseten Norbu of NDPT at Bagdogra Airport
Subsequently on 6 November, talk on ‘Democracy and Unity’ started with a welcome speech by Darjeeling Settlement Officer Tenzin Norden, followed by President of National Democratic Party of Tibet, Tseten Norbu’s speech explaining background, objective, and benefits of or organizing the talk.
Deputy Speaker started his talk by elucidating the general public on the evolution of democracy, its origin, different policies, and features. The evolution of the Tibetan democratic polity has been possible because of the blessing and farsighted vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
A resident of Darjeeling asking question to Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok
He further advised public to follow and exercise the 27 laws, rules and regulations enacted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in a true democratic way and as per the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
He emphasized the exiled Tibetans to look up to the Tibetans inside Tibet who have been protesting fearlessly against the repressive policies of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the last 60 years and make collective effort for the common cause of Tibet.
In addition to that, he spoke on the importance of following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice in preserving Tibetan culture, language, religion, and moral values.
Deputy Speaker addressing students and people of Tashiling Tibetan Settlement of Sonada
Deputy Speaker emphasized on following the example set from the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hard work of elder Tibetan generation in setting direction for the Tibetan struggle and in preserving Tibetan culture.
All the questions raised by the public were duly answered by the Deputy Speaker during the Q&A session. Thereafter, he paid visits to Chakpori Tibetan Medical Institute and Manjushree Center of Tibetan Culture, where they exchanged thoughts and discussed on various topics.
Deputy Speaker observing Darjeeling Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre
On the morning of the next day, Deputy Speaker set off to Tashiling Tibetan Settlement of Sonada where he was warmly received by Settlement Officer Tenzin Yangzom and other local dignitaries.
At a gathering of students and the general public, Deputy Speaker addressed on the above-mentioned topics and answered questions asked by them.
Deputy Speaker also visited Darjeeling Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre as per their request and departed to Ravangla Tibetan Settlement on 9 November.
Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok speaking on ‘Democracy and Unity’ at Ravangla Tibetan Settlement
On 10 November, Deputy Speaker addressed on the above-mentioned topic for one and a half hours to the settlement people of Ravangla. He left for Gangtok on the same day and was received by the Settlement Officer and representatives of six NGOs.
Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok was officially invited to give talks on ‘Democracy and Unity’ in Tibetan settlements of Ravangla, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Gangtok from 7-14 November 2019.
Deputy Speaker along with Settlement Officer, Chairwoman of LTA and President of NDPT at a monsatery in Ravangla
