Dharamshala: Parliamentarians Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen and Sonam Norbu Ratsa successfully concluded their two-day official visitation program in Varanasi, conducted from 21 to 22 August 2026.
Following their visit to Bodh Gaya, the MPs departed for Varanasi on 21 August 2026. Upon their arrival in Varanasi, the MPs were received and welcomed by the President of the regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL). They then proceeded to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), where they were warmly welcomed by members of the BRDL, the Student Welfare Committee, and others.
On the same day, the MPs met with Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice-Chancellor of CIHTS, as well as the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, to gain an overview of the institute’s current affairs and operations. Later that evening, they addressed an audience of approximately 300 staff members and students at the Atisha Hall, providing comprehensive answers to questions raised by the attendees.
On the morning of August 22, the parliamentarians visited the sacred Varanasi Stupa, followed by visits to several local monasteries and shrines, including the Tibetan Temple, Tarthang Monastery, Nyingma Monastery, Kagyu Monastery, and the Tara Temple (Dolma Lhakhang).
In the afternoon, they toured the CIHTS Library, the Research Department, and the Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) Department. With these visits, their official program in the Varanasi region was successfully concluded. 
