Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, a parliamentary delegation consisting of MPs Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen and Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar successfully concluded their official periodical visit to Nepal from November 30th to December 13th. During their visit, the delegation met with Tibetans residing in various locations, including Kathmandu, Boudha, Jorpati, Phakshing, Jwalakhel Samdupling, and Phunling.
On December 1st, the two Parliament Members arrived in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. On December 2nd, they held a meeting with Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku Ngawang Chokdup and Tibetan Settlement Officers from Gyalsa Phakshing, Jwalakhel, Boudha, Jorpati, and Sha-Wa-Ra.During the meeting, they learned about the situation of the settlements in and around the capital area and planned upcoming programs.
On December 3rd, accompanied by TSOs of Phagshing and Choejor, they traveled to Yanglesho. Upon arriving at Yangleshod Drubthob Monastery located in the area, they were welcomed by the monastery’s Chagzoe and the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement’s coordinator Bhudhrug Nyima and member Penpa Tsering. After learning about the situation of local Tibetans and providing guidance on various issues that needed resolution, they held a meeting with monks and nuns from the hermitage and local Tibetan residents. They listened to their concerns and provided necessary guidance. Subsequently, they visited sacred sites including the self-manifested Tara, Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation cave Asura Cave, the sacred site of Vajrayogini, Trarig Monastery’s Buddhist philosophical college, and the stupa containing the holy relics of Kyabje Drubwang Penor Rinpoche. They also inspected the office of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL).
On the morning of the 4th, as per the invitation, the two Tibetan Parliament Members visited Drikung Rinchen Ling in Nayapati. In the presence of Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche, they attended the inauguration ceremony of the golden manuscript of Jetsun Milarepa’s biography and an exhibition of thangka related to the biographies of the twenty-five heart disciples of the yogi, organized by Lopon Dawa Dhondup. After the ceremony, they had an audience with both Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche and Drubwang Nubpa Rinpoche.
On the morning of the 6th, they held a meeting with the Representative of Nepal’s Office of Tibet, TSO of Gyalsa Phagding, Local Tibetan Assembly members, and members of the BRDL. Afterwards, they visited the offices of the Office of Tibet, the Sha-wa-ra, Gyal-Phag, and the Library and Museum. In the afternoon, they met with the Jwalakhel’s TSO, LTA members, the principal of the Atisha Day School, and parent committee members. During this meeting, they gave speeches about the workings of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, listened to public grievances, and answered various questions requiring clarification. Following this, they conducted an inspection tour of the Jwalakhel settlement.
On the 7th, along with the Representative of Nepal’s Office of Tibet, they held a meeting with members of the Boudha and Jorpati Local Tibetan Assembly led by their chairperson, and members of both the Boudha and Jorpati BRDLs led by their respective presidents. During this meeting, they listened to public grievances, provided necessary clarifications, and issued relevant instructions to concerned parties. In the afternoon, they conducted inspection visits to Songtsen School, Namgyal College, and Namgyal Middle School. In the evening, they visited the Tibet Reception Center, where they examined its general operations and the arrangements for receiving new arrivals from Tibet. In the late evening, the Office of Tibet along with the TSO of the Kathmandu, Phagshing, Choe-Jor, Sha-wa-ra, and Jwalakhel hosted an official farewell dinner for the two Members of the Tibetan Parliament.
On the morning of the 8th, the two Members of Parliament visited the Tsering Home for the Elderly in Nepal. During this visit, they were welcomed by the director and staff of the elderly home. They learned about the home’s conditions and operational procedures, gave speeches to the elderly residents, and provided instructions to relevant authorities regarding the residents’ requests and needs. Afterwards, they visited Pal Bodong Monastery where they paid their respects.
On the morning of the 9th, they visited the Snow Lion Foundation of Nepal. On this occasion, Director Tsering Topgyal welcomed them and provided a detailed introduction about the organization’s history, achievements to date, and legal-related activities. The two Members of Parliament then gave detailed explanations about solutions to the organization’s challenges. In the afternoon, they visited the Choe-Jor TSO’s Office, the Nepal Branch Office of the Auditor General, and the local Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute).
On the 10th, they visited the Yungdrung Bon monastery Palden Triten Norbutse. During this time, Geshe Denyi Shedrub, the director of the School of Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Traditional Medicine), welcomed them. At noon, they had an audience in the private chambers with Kyabje Yongzin Mawai Wangpo, Lopon Tenzin Namdag Rinpoche. They offered congratulations on Rinpoche reaching the age of 100 and made prayers for his long life to benefit the dharma and all beings. Afterwards, accompanied by the Chagzoe, they toured the monastery, including visits to the School of Sowa Rigpa, the medicine preparation facility, and the medical clinic.
On the 11th, they visited the Tibetan private school called Mansoravar, located near the Stupa in Nepal. The school’s director Tsultrim Sangmo and staff members, along with students, welcomed them. They inspected each classroom, gave special commendations to the responsible staff, and provided guidance on the need to maintain continued dedication. In the afternoon, when visiting the Jorpati Tibetan settlement, they were welcomed by the camp leader (Gyakpon) and local residents. They then paid respects at the settlement’s temple and inspected various facilities including the local community hall.
On the 12th, Member of Parliament Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen departed for Lumbini to attend the Sakya Great Prayer Festival. He had an audience with both Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and Trizin Rinpoche. In the afternoon, he participated in the long-life offering ceremony for Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, which was organized by the Domey Association. On the 13th, both MP Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen and MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar arrived in New Delhi, successfully concluding their official visitation program.
