Dharamshala, 11th September 2024: The eighth session (general session) of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, scheduled from 11th to 19th of September 2024, commenced today at 9:30 am with the announcement of session commencement by the Speaker.

The parliament hall assembled with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Kalons, and parliamentarians sang the Tibetan national anthem.

In his session commencement address, the Speaker highlighted several significant events: the successful knee surgery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the USA, a recent long-life prayer offering made by the people of Monyul, and the celebration of His Holiness’s 90th birth anniversary according to the Tibetan calendar, attended by key leaders from Arunachal Pradesh, led by the Chief Minister.

The Speaker emphasized that the current democratic system of the Central Tibetan Administration is a blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and encouraged Tibetans to work towards fulfilling His Holiness’s aspirations, including his four commitments.

He also expressed appreciation for international support, noting the adoption of the Resolve Tibet Act by the US, Canada’s motion supporting Tibetan self-determination, the raising of the Tibetan cause in the Australian parliament, and the appointment of a convener and co-convener to the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet.

The Speaker also briefed the house on the agenda of the 8th session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and concluded by underscoring that resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict remains a primary responsibility as outlined in the Charter of Tibetans in exile.

A panel of Chairpersons and an Ad Hoc Committee were appointed in accordance with the ‘Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’.

An official obituary reference to former Tibetan Parliamentarian Dhangshar Yonten Gyatso was read by parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel. A minute of silence was then duly observed in the house to mourn for the official reference.

The session continued with Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, presenting the précis 2023-24 annual report of its main ministry office as well as of institutions under it.

The review of the detailed annual report of the Department of Religion and Culture by the Standing Committee was presented by parliamentarian Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong.

Motion for debate on the DoR&C’s précis report and its review by the Standing Committee was tabled by parliamentarian Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen and supported by parliamentarian Tenzin Jigdal. Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, presented the Kashag’s clarification.

Members of Parliament participated in the deliberation over the undertaking of the Department of Religion and Culture applauding the department’s overall undertaking.

In response to queries from lawmakers, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the current Kalon of the department, provided detailed clarifications on the process of recognizing the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He addressed the measures the Central Tibetan Administration is preparing to counter potential interference from China. Additionally, Sikyong Penpa Tsering provided insights into efforts to preserve major Tibetan traditional studies, including crafts, arts, and thangka painting.

He also responded to questions about various departmental projects and programs. These included the Tibetan Digital Library project, scholarships for newly arrived Tibetan monks and nuns, the Non-Sectarian Tibetan Buddhist Scholars’ Conference, and other initiatives undertaken by the department.

The session proceeded with the presentation of the précis 2023-24 report of the Department of Home (DoH) by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of DoH. This was followed by the presentation of the Standing Committee’s reviewed report on the detailed annual report of the Department of Home by parliamentarian Geshe Ngaba Gangri.

Motion for debate on the aforementioned report was tabled by parliamentarian Tsering Yangchen and supported by parliamentarian Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen. Thereafter, Sikyong Penpa Tsering provided Kashag’s (Cabinet) clarification to the reviewed report of the Department of Home by the Standing Committee.

The deliberation on the undertakings of the Department of Home remains open for tomorrow’s seating.

The first day of the eighth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was adjourned at 5 pm.