Dharamshala: On November 3, 2024, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and MP Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten visited Thupchog Gatsel Ling Monastery in Mon Bomdila, where they paid their respects to Gaden Tri Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo and Guru Tulku Rinpoche.

Earlier that day, they met with members of the local India-Tibet Support Group, led by President Lobsang Genchen. In the afternoon, they engaged with several officials, including Tarh Tarak, Vice President of the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh, Secretary Nyima Senge, the President of the Tibet Support Group in Arunachal Pradesh, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch member Dorje Tsering, and Sang Khandu Mosobi, Vice President of the regional Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch in Bomdila.

During these meetings, officials from the Indian Tibet Support Group welcomed the Speaker and MP to Arunachal Pradesh, provided updates on their Tibet-related activities, and discussed the significance of supporting the Tibetan cause. They highlighted the spread of Buddhism and Tibetan culture from Tibet to the Mon region, as well as along the Tibet-Mon border.

The Speaker emphasized the need to strengthen the deep religious and cultural ties between Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed gratitude to the Tibet Support Groups for their efforts in raising awareness about Tibet in India and supporting local Tibetan residents. He also introduced the Tibetan Parliament’s advocacy programs in Indian states and internationally, shared insights from the 8th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet, and mentioned plans for the upcoming 9th convention in Japan.

After the meetings, they visited Gaden Rabgay Ling Institute, where they were welcomed by the monastery’s Chakzoe, who introduced the institute and served refreshments. Tenzin Lhagyal, the Bomdila coordinator, accompanied them throughout the day’s events.