Dharamshala: As part of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s program to engage with the public following its formation, Parliamentarians Karma Gelek and Dr. Rigzin Lhundup commenced their official visit to Tibetan communities in Dharamshala and areas under the jurisdiction of the Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO), Dharamshala. On 22 June 2026, they visited Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro-Science Institute), Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School (Primary School), Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School (Secondary School), the head office of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS), and Sherap Gatsel Ling.

On the first day of their official visit, Parliamentarians Karma Gelek and Dr. Rigzin Lhundup arrived at Men-Tsee-Khang at 9:30 a.m., where they toured the institute’s various departments. At 11:45 a.m., a gathering of Men-Tsee-Khang’s faculty, staff, and students was convened.

Addressing the gathering, Parliamentarian Karma Gelek spoke on the lifelong achievements of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, highlighting in particular His Holiness’s successful transition of the Central Tibetan Administration into a genuine democratic system. He also elaborated on the vital importance of the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile.

Parliamentarian Dr. Rigzin Lhundup then spoke on the critical situation inside Tibet. He addressed the environmental crisis resulting from the Chinese government’s construction of dams and the diversion and obstruction of rivers across the Tibetan Plateau. He also discussed the existential threat facing the Tibetan language under the People’s Republic of China’s so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress” law. Furthermore, he briefed the audience on international political developments concerning Tibet, including successive legislative measures adopted by the United States and their implications for the Tibetan cause on the global stage. The session concluded with a Q&A segment.

At 2:00 p.m., the two parliamentarians visited Gangkyi Petoen School (Primary School), where they toured classrooms and the school campus before addressing the teachers and staff.

The delegation then visited the head office of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS), Petoen School (Secondary School), and Sherap Gatsel Ling (Tibetan Transit School), where they inspected the administrative offices and school premises.

A general assembly of teachers, staff, and students was subsequently convened. During the gathering, Parliamentarian Karma Gelek spoke on the lifelong commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, focusing particularly on the establishment of the democratic system and the tremendous efforts undertaken to provide educational opportunities for Tibetan youth. He encouraged students and teachers alike to pursue their studies diligently and strive for greater achievement and progress.

Parliamentarian Dr. Rigzin Lhundup also addressed the assembly on the situation inside Tibet. He detailed the ongoing environmental degradation on the Tibetan Plateau, including major dam construction projects undertaken by the Chinese government. He further explained the implementation of policies aimed at eroding the Tibetan language under the guise of the “Ethnic Unity and Progress” law, highlighting the dangers and risks posed by such measures and emphasizing the need for Tibetans in exile to respond to these challenges. Concluding his remarks, he discussed recent international developments related to Tibet, focusing on significant shifts in United States policy toward Tibet and the current international standing of the Tibetan cause.