Dharamshala:Parliamentarians Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam and Lhamo Tsering Kongtsa, who are currently on an official visit to the Hunsur Rabgyaling Tibetan Settlement in South India, addressed the public at the Hunsur Rabgyaling Community Hall on 27 August 2026.

The Parliamentarians were warmly received with traditional khatas by local dignitaries, including the Chair and members of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Settlement Officer, school principal, and camp leaders.

During the public gathering, Parliamentarian Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam spoke on the prevailing situation inside Tibet and elaborated on the major factors that led to the loss of Tibet’s independence, identifying the small size of the Tibetan population, lack of military strength, internal disunity, and inadequate understanding of international political dynamics as four key factors.

He further explained the historical background and development of the three major phases of the crisis in Tibet, as well as the repression and human rights violations faced by Tibetans under the Chinese government. He also spoke at length about the history of Tibetan self-immolation protests, beginning with the first self-immolation by monk Tapey on 27 February 2009 and extending to the recent self-immolation of Tibetan patriot Rangzen Lobga in front of the United Nations office on 2 July 2026.

MP Khenpo Kada Ngodep Sonam provided an overview of the 171 Tibetans who have self-immolated both inside and outside Tibet, including monastics and laypeople, men and women, and people of different age groups. He explained the circumstances surrounding the self-immolations and their significance in the Tibetan struggle for the preservation of Tibet’s national identity, religion, and freedom.

He also briefed the public on the resolutions adopted during the First Session of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. In addition, he provided explanations regarding the election process of the Kalons and the approval of the budget and Appropriation Act for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Parliamentarian Lhamo Tsering Kongtsa spoke on the life and accomplishments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She explained the circumstances under which His Holiness assumed responsibility for Tibet’s spiritual and temporal affairs, his historic escape into exile, and his extensive contributions and activities on the international stage.

She also briefed the gathering on the prevailing international political situation concerning Tibet and spoke about the continued support extended by political leaders and representatives around the world towards the Middle Way Approach, which seeks a mutually beneficial and peaceful resolution to the issue of Tibet.

Following the presentations, the two Parliamentarians responded to questions raised by members of the local community and provided detailed explanations on matters concerning Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and the Tibetan community in exile.

At the conclusion of the program, the local community expressed its appreciation to the visiting Parliamentarians and presented them with mementos as a token of gratitude and respect.

The public gathering, which commenced at 9:00 a.m., concluded at approximately 2:00 p.m.