Dharamshala: As part of the ongoing official visitation in North India, a delegation comprising of MPs Dhondup Tashi and Tsering Yangchen successfully concluded their official visit to Tibetans in Dolanji, Herbertpur, Selakui, Kamrao, Sataun, and Puruwala from 4th to 9th February 2025.

The MPs reached Thobgyal Sarpa -Bon Tibetan settlement in Dolanji in Himachal Pradesh- on 4th February. They were received by Settlement Officer Tenzin, Chair Loden Nyima of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Joint Sec. Geshe Sonam Gyatso of Young Drung Bon Monastic Centre Society, and representative of regional Tibetan NGOs.

On 5th February, the MPs had an audience with the 34th Kyabje Menri Trizin Lungtok Dawa Dhargye Rinpoche. During the meeting, the Rinpoche urged all parliamentarians to prioritize the common cause of Tibet and to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, emphasizing that Tibetans are more grateful to His Holiness than anyone else. Thereafter, they inspected the settlement and its offices and held a closed-door meeting with key local leaders. The MPs addressed the meeting and provided needed clarification to the questions asked in the meeting.

In the afternoon, they paid a series of visits to Sambhota Tibetan School, health care centre, and Ratna Menling nunnery. In the evening, they set off toward Doegu Yougyaling Tibetan Settlement in Herbertpur, Uttarakhand. Upon their arrival, they were received by settlement officer Dolma Tsering, Tenzin Gyejor- Chair of Local Tibetan Assembly, and others.

On 6th February, the MPs visited Sambhota Tibetan School in Herbertpur. In the school auditorium, students, teachers, and staff, led by Principal Sonam Palkey, gathered for the event. The MPs witnessed student poem recitals, Buddhist dialect presentation, and cultural performance. Speaking to the gathering, MP Yangchen highlighted the significant contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and encouraged students to fully dedicate themselves to their studies. Meanwhile, MP Tashi emphasized the importance of preserving the Tibetan language.

In the afternoon, they paid their respect at Gongkar Choede Monastery and visited settlement’s heath care centre, Vocational Training Centre at Selakui and inaugurated an open gym facilitated by the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration. On the same day, they also visited TCV Selakui and provided needed guidance on classes X and XII examinations.

On 7th February, the MPs visited Gongkar Tsedup Temple, the old age home for former Special Frontier Force members, and the offices of various governmental organizations and NGOs. A public gathering was held afterward, where MP Tashi addressed the status of Tibet and China, as well as the political stance of the Central Tibetan Administration regarding the resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict. MP Yangchen spoke about the initiatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the international status of the Tibetan cause.

In the afternoon, the MPs arrived in Kamrao Tibetan settlement where settlement officer Tenzin Rinchen, LTA Chair Tashi Dhondup, and head of the Gapa Samdupling monastery received them.

On 8th February, the two parliament members visited Ga Kye Gu Monastery (Sa Ngor Tse Chen Samdrub Ling Monastery), Ga Pa Settlement, and local schools – Central School for Tibetans and Himalayan Public School. Thereafter, a public meeting was held in the Local Tibetan Assembly Hall, where both parliament members gave speeches on various topics and answered questions from the public.

In the afternoon, the two parliament members arrived at Sataun Kham Kathok Settlement. A public meeting was held where they gave speeches on various subjects and answered questions from the public. Followed tour of various offices, paying respects at the Nyingma Kathok Monastery and received an audience with Kathok Gyashod Kyabtrul Rinpoche.

On 9th February, the two lawmakers arrived at Puruwala Sakya Settlement. They were welcomed by Settlement Officer Tenzin Namgyal and representatives from various organizations and the public. A public meeting followed.

During this meeting, MP Tashi spoke about His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle Way Approach policy for resolving the Tibet issue. MP Yangchen spoke about the functioning of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Tibet’s status in the international arena. The Q&A session with the public lasted for over 3 hours. In the afternoon, they toured the settlement, various organizations, schools, and paid respects at the main Sakya monastery, Thubten Namgyal Ling.