Dharamshala: As a part of the Tibetan parliament’s periodical visitation to Tibetan settlements and cluster communities across India, Nepal, and Bhutan, parliamentarians Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam and Yeshi Dolma have successfully concluded their official visit to Pokhara Tashi Ling, Jampa Ling, Lodrik, Tashi Gang, and Tashi Palkhel in Nepal from 4th to 19th October 2024.
Parliamentarian Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam departed from Dharamsala to Delhi on October 4, then from Dehradun to Nepal on October 5, arriving at Dhangadhi airport on October 6 before proceeding to Kathmandu. Parliamentarian Yeshi Dolma departed from Dharamsala to Delhi on October 6, then flew from Delhi to Nepal on October 8, arriving that evening.
In the morning of October 9, the two parliamentarians met to discuss their program schedule. They then had audiences with the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen, and Dezhung Rinpoche of Tharlam Monastery. They also visited the Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas, and toured the TCC showroom, carpet trading company in Nepal, at their invitation. That evening, they attended a dinner hosted by Dr. Kundrol, daughter of the late Jigme.
On October 10 in the afternoon, the two MPs departed from Kathmandu for Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, they were welcomed by the settlement officers of the three settlements – Yeshi Choedon, Tashi Dorje, and Tashi – along with the Local Tibetan Assembly Chairperson, Lodrik Chairperson, representatives from the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL), Tibetan school’s director, monastery representatives, Men-Tsee-Khang director, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress president, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association president, handicraft center director, Parent-Teacher Association president, and community leaders. They then proceeded to Swapna Bagh Hotel where settlement representatives welcomed them.
On October 11 in the morning, they visited Tashi Ling settlement where they were welcomed by Local Tibetan Assembly members, community leaders, monastery administrators, and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association representatives. At the Settlement Office, they received briefings about the settlement’s conditions and two years of administrative work. They then inspected the Settlement Office, monastery, hospital, school, Men-Tsee-Khang, and agricultural lands. At 2:00 pm, they addressed a public gathering where MP Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam spoke about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments, while MP Yeshi Dolma discussed international policies on Tibet, China’s Tibet policies, and U.S. legislation concerning Tibet. This was followed by a three-hour Q&A session with the public.
On October 12, the MPs proceeded to Jampa Ling settlement under Lodrik, arriving around 10:00 am. They were welcomed by local leaders and met with the Settlement Officer and Local Tibetan Assembly members for a briefing on settlement conditions. They then toured the entire settlement and surrounding areas. At 2:00 pm, they gave public addresses followed by a four-hour Q&A session. In the evening, they attended a dinner hosted by the Lodrik Welfare Association.
On October 13 in the morning, accompanied by Lodrik Settlement Officer and Assembly members, they paid their respects at Shang Gaden Monastery in Tashi Palkyil settlement, where they were welcomed by the monastery administrator. After touring the monastery and settlement, they addressed the public and answered questions. Thereafter, they visited Tashi Gang settlement, where they were welcomed by community leaders, toured the settlement, gave speeches, and responded to public inquiries.
On October 14, they arrived at Tashi Palkyil settlement office and were welcomed by various local leaders including the Local Tibetan Assembly Chairperson, monastery representatives, Ngari association representative, school principal, and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress vice president. After receiving a briefing from the Settlement Officer, they visited Kagyu monastery and Sakya Pema Tsal monastery, the middle school, Men-Tsee-Khang, kindergarten, elderly home, and residential areas. At 10:30 am, they addressed the public and held a Q&A session. On October 15, they inspected local shops and businesses.
On October 16 in the evening, the Settlement Officers and accountants/secretaries of all three Pokhara settlements hosted a farewell dinner for the visiting MPs. On October 17, the MPs departed for Kathmandu, arriving around 6:00 pm, thus concluding their official tour of the Pokhara region of Nepal.
The visitation program successfully concluded with a comprehensive inquiry about the conditions of the general public chronicled by the parliamentarians that will be forwarded to the related departments of the Central Tibetan Administration through the Standing Committee of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for effective grievances redress.
