Dharamshala: As part of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s program, a parliamentary delegation consisting of MPs Karma Gelek and Lobsang Thupten Pontsang successfully completed their official visit to Chennai from January 30th to February 1st, 2025.
During their visit, the MPs engaged with the local Tibetan community as well as key dignitaries, including the Director-General and General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chennai, an Advocate at the Madras High Court, the State Vice President of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, and the State President and Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Party, among others.
During their official visit, the two Parliament Members arrived at Chennai airport at 3:30 PM on January 30th. They were welcomed by Tenzin Tsepal, the staff of Chief Representative Office, South Zone.
When the MPs arrived at the Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute) in Chennai, they were welcomed by Dr. Tenzin Tseten, along with staff and students. The two Parliament Members shared the purpose of their visit, exchanged views, and answered various questions.
On January 31, 2025, they arrived at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chennai and met with Director General Richard C.L. Chen and Director Dennis M.S Tsai. At the beginning of the meeting, they presented ceremonial scarves (khatas) and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s autobiography ‘My Land and My People’ as a token of appreciation.
The two Parliament Members then discussed the current critical situation inside Tibet, relations between Taiwan and the Central Tibetan Administration, as well as the development and structure of Tibetan democracy in exile. The Director-General expressed concern about the Chinese Communist government’s policies aimed at eliminating Tibetan identity, language, and culture inside Tibet.
They met with K. Arvind, an Advocate at the Madras High Court. He is someone who regularly shows interest in the Tibet issue, and had previously helped arrange meetings with local officials during Parliament Members’ visits. He stated that Tibet and India are two nations with a long historical connection. Now that Tibet is facing difficulties under Chinese occupation, he emphasized that the Indian government should help Tibetan refugees in all aspects including economy and education. He assured that he would do whatever he could to help.
On February 1, 2025, they met with Shri Chakravarthy, state vice president of BJP in Tamil Nadu, at the BJP state headquarters. They presented him with a ceremonial scarf (khata) and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s autobiography ‘My Land and My People’ as a token of appreciation. The party expressed their support for the Tibet cause and asked what help was needed for Tibetans in the state.
The two Members explained that while Tibetans are generally very grateful to the Indian government and people for their support, the Chinese government continues to implement harsh policies inside Tibet. Specifically regarding state matters, they requested help in resolving the market space issues faced by Tibetan traders in Ooty. They also mentioned that while the Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical Institute) in Chennai is beneficial to local patients, they are facing difficulties due to the landlord significantly increasing the rent, and requested state government assistance with this matter.
In response, he said he would discuss the Men-Tsee-Khang issue with the state government. Regarding Ooty, he said he would directly instruct the Chief Engineer to address and resolve the difficulties.
They then visited the Tamil Nadu Congress office and met with Shri K. Selvaperunthagai, State President of Tamil Nadu Congress party, and Shri Swarnah Sethuraman, State Vice President of Tamil Nadu Congress party. They presented them with ceremonial scarves and gifts.
The two Members expressed gratitude for the overall support from the Indian government and people towards Tibetans, particularly mentioning the late Prime Minister Nehru’s assistance when Tibetan refugees first arrived in India. They requested help regarding the market space issues faced by Tibetan vendors in Ooty and the Men-Tsee-Khang building situation. In response, they were asked to submit these concerns in writing, and were informed that there would be a meeting with the State Health Minister next Monday where these issues would be discussed. They also promised to personally visit the Men-Tsee-Khang. The Men-Tsee-Khang has been informed accordingly about this.
The Party President appeared to be well-informed about the Tibet issue and expressed his continued support for the Tibetan cause. The meeting lasted about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
