Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Parliamentarians Migyur Dorjee and Pema Tso successfully concluded their official periodical visits to Norgyeling Tibetan settlement of Bhandara in Maharashtra, Phendeling Tibetan settlement of Mainpat in Chhattisgarh, and Tibetan sweater sellers in these two states from December 21 to 25, 2024.

At around 9:00 AM on December 21, the two parliament members met with Tibetan sweater sellers at the Chandrapur market area, where they gave speeches and held a Q&A session. During this time, the two parliament members discussed several topics including: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s great contributions to Tibet’s religion and politics; the Central Tibetan Administration’s efforts to seek support for Tibet in the United States as the new U.S. administration approaches; the history of the Middle Way Policy and how it benefits both sides; and the international support received for adopting the MWA in resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

They also discussed the Strategic Meeting organized by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in New Delhi from December 13-15, and how from December 16-18, during India’s winter parliamentary session, six groups of parliament members met with members of both houses of the Indian Parliament to advocate for Tibet. They mentioned plans for the 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet to be held in Tokyo, Japan next year under the organization of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Given the Chinese government’s intense restrictions on the learning and usage of the Tibetan language in Tibet, they emphasized the crucial importance for Tibetans in free countries to preserve their language, culture, and moral values. After completing their speeches and Q&A session, they departed for Bhandara Norgyeling Settlement, arriving there around 3:00 PM. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by TSO Ngodup Sangpo and other local leaders.

On December 22 at 9:00 AM, they visited the upper and lower settlements of Bhandara Norgyeling Settlement, two monasteries, the elderly care home, school, Gangjong Nordrey factory, as well as the Tibetan Settlement Office, Cooperative Society, BRDL, and local health center and Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute). At 2:00 PM, they held a meeting with residents from both the upper and lower settlements, where they gave speeches and answered questions from the public.

That evening, they departed for Bhilai and arrived at the Chhattisgarh state border around 7:35 PM. There they were welcomed by Tsephel, the secretary of the Mainpat TSO office secretary; Sonam Tsering, the president of the Bhilai Sweater Sellers Association, and Thupten, the driver from the TSO. They then arrived in Bhilai around 8:00 PM.

On December 23 at 9:30 AM, they visited the Tibetan market in Bhilai and gave speeches to the public. Afterwards, they departed for Raipur and arrived at the Tibetan market there around 1:00 PM. Although there were only 8 households at that market, everyone gathered to hear speeches from the two parliament members and participate in a Q&A session. They then departed for Bilaspur and arrived there just before 7:00 PM.

On the morning of December 24, when the Tibet Youth Congress motorcycle awareness tour participants arrived in the area, the two Tibetan parliament members met with and greeted the participants, including the President of the Youth Congress. They then visited the Bilaspur Tibet market, where they gave speeches to the business owners and held a Q&A session. Afterwards, they departed for Mainpat Phendeling Tibetan Settlement and arrived there just before 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Tsewang Yangzom, the TSO of Mainpat Phendeling, along with representatives from the Local Tibetan Assembly, Local Cooperative Society, local health care centre, and the presidents and vice-presidents of the BRDL.

On December 25 at 9:00 AM, they paid visits to four local monasteries, and then inspected the Settlement Office, Cooperative Society, Local Tibetan Assembly, Health care centre, BRDL office, Old Age Home, and school. In the afternoon, they addressed the local public, discussing several topics including: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s great achievements; the importance of sustaining the Central Tibetan Association and the need for everyone to work together; the history of the Middle Way Policy and international support for the Tibet cause; the two sessions of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; the recent Strategic Meeting held by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in Delhi; and their advocacy work during India’s winter parliamentary session.

They also discussed the Department of Home’s new housing project, under which 54 families had received land in Mainpat Settlement, and emphasized the importance of helping new settlers who will arrive in the future. They then held a Q&A session with the public. On December 26, the two parliament members are scheduled to visit camp no 7, and on the morning of December 27, they will depart for Japalpur.