Dharamshala: As part of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s periodic visitation program, a delegation consisting of parliamentarians Karma Gelek and Lobsang Thupten Pontsang successfully concluded their visit to the Bylakuppe Dickyi Larsoe Tibetan settlement from 5th to 8th February, 2025.

On 5th February, 2025, upon their arrival at the Mysore Bus Stand, they were warmly received by Tenzin Norzin, Secretary of the Dickyi Larsoe Tibetan settlement. The delegation then departed for Bylakuppe, arriving at Sakya Guest House around noon. They were welcomed by Dickyi Larsoe Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Chime Dorje, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL) President Tenzin Yangkyi, and Local Cooperative Chair Namgyal Jorden.

On 6th February 2025, the MPs visited the Phodrang (Palace) of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where they were joined by TSO Chime Dorje and introduced to members of the BRDL, the Chair of the Local Cooperative Society, and other local leaders. They then paid their respects at Drikung Kagyu Thupten Shedrup Jangchup Ling Monastery, where they were welcomed by the monastery’s administrator, Venerable Tsewang. This monastery was established by former parliamentarian of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Ayang Tulku Rinpoche from the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The MPs also toured the renowned Kagyu Monastery’s incense factory.

Following this, they visited Pema Sangnak Ling, where they were received by Migmar. This monastery was originally established by Kyabje Penor Rinpoche. The delegation then visited Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, where they were welcomed by Chakzoe Kyilkhang Rinpoche. They toured the main assembly hall, Dolma Shrine, and Lhamo Shrine, and also visited the monastery’s library. The MPs had an audience with Tashi Lhunpo’s abbot, Kyabje Zeekgyab Rinpoche, and were honored with a lunch hosted by the monastery.

In the afternoon, they visited Bylakuppe Dickyi Larsoe Tibetan settlement’s Office. Bylakuppe Dickyi Larsoe Tibetan settlement was established in 1969 with an initial population of 2,000 people and was allocated 1,805 acres of land and 21 gundas. While agriculture is the main livelihood of the settlement, people also engage in animal husbandry, carpet weaving, mechanical farming, incense making, running restaurants and shops, and seasonal sweater selling for their livelihood. Currently, the actual population in the settlement is 1,209 males and 1,129 females, totalling 2,333 people. There are 16 villages and three major religious institutions: Tashi Lhunpo monastery, Drikung Kagyu Monastery Thubten Shedrup Jangchup Ling, and Pema Sangnak Choekhor Ling.

In the evening, the MPs visited the BRDL office where its Chair Tenzin Yangkyi and Secretary Sangchung Norbu, along with all the committee members welcomed them. There are a total of 9 committee members. They mentioned that the TSO provided assistance with office equipment. They submitted a summary report related to the collection of Tibetan voluntary contribution (Chatrel) from 1st April to 31st December, 2024.

The MPs also visited the Local Cooperative Office, where they met with its Chair Namgyal Jorden, Secretary Tsering Dhondup and other staff members. The Local Cooperative Office was established in 1969. The Board of Directors has 9 members. Currently, there are four sections: Mechanical Farming Section, Handicraft Section, Store Section, and Animal Feed Section.

During the parliamentarians visit to the settlement’s Lhamo Association (opera), they were welcomed by its director and members. This association was established in 1974. They have now built their own land and meeting hall through their own fundraising efforts, and the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration has contributed five lakh Indian rupees. There are 30 members in the Lhamo Association.

On February 7th, 2025, the MPs paid an inspection visit to the Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe. They were warmly welcomed by Principal Tsering Choephel, along with the teachers, staff, and students of the school. The MPs toured the classrooms and were briefed on various sections of the school. Established in 1971 with classes from I to V, the school expanded to include class VII in 1985 and class X in 1991. In 2018, the school was taken over by the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS) under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, from the Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. The school currently has 132 students and staff/teacher of 25, offering excellent facilities and a conducive learning environment. The MPs addressed the students and teachers during their visit.

The MPs also met with members of the Dickyi Larsoe Sports Association, which comprises seven members. The association has arranged its own ground and building and is organizing a Losar event to raise funds. Additionally, the MPs held a meeting with the members of the Tibetan Dickyi Larsoe Dairy Association, led by the secretary and president. The association, registered in 1983 with the Karnataka government, has received the necessary support from the settlement office.

The visit included with a trip to the outskirts of Camp No. 12, where wild elephants frequently attack fields, especially corn farms. The MPs inspected a proposed site for a housing project of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The MPs then paid a visit to Tso Jey Khang Sar Hospital. Currently, there are 29 total staff members including 2 doctors, 8 nurses, and 19 other staff. The hospital facilities are good and they see an average of 50-70 patients daily. They have good relations with Apollo Hospital in Mysore, and Apollo Hospital doctors visit Tso Jed Khang Sar Hospital once a week. In the afternoon, they inspected Sambhota Bylakuppe Primary School, the principal received them and introduced the school. There are 39 students and 9 children in the day-care centre.

In the evening, they attended a meeting with important figures of Bylakuppe. First, Bylakuppe Settlement Officer Chimed Dorje gave an opening speech, then two parliament members spoke about the changes in CTA and the society, and the importance of settlement stability. This was followed by internal discussions and a Q&A session. Afterwards, went to inspect the group housing project site near Tashi Lhunpo. In the evening, Bylakuppe settlement collectively hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting MPs, and offered ceremonial scarves (khatas) and thangkas of Amitayus Buddha.

On 8th February, 2025, they inspected the 26.9 acres of land that was reclaimed by the State Forest Department from 9 families behind camp no 10. Following this, they held a public meeting with the community. The Settlement Officer gave a welcome speech and provided introductions of the parliament members. MP Karma Gelek spoke about the evolution of democracy in the Central Tibetan Administration, and MP Lobsang Thupten spoke about the critical situation inside Tibet. They responded to public opinions and questions.

In the noon, they visited the local Indian government hospital and met with the head doctor, Dr. Bharath Kumar. He mentioned that many Tibetan patients come there and all medicines are provided free of charge.

Thereafter, they held a meeting with the people of Chakur. As before, the Bylakuppe Settlement Officer gave an opening speech, followed by talks from both parliament members on the aforementioned topics. The MPs concluded their official visit to Bylakuppe with visit to camps of the settlement.