Dharamshala: Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, as the Guest of Honour, attended and addressed the closing ceremony of the 25th Himalayan Festival organized by Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association of Dharamshala to commemorate the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the auditorium of TIPA  on 11th December 2021.

The Speaker in his address highlighted the Indo-Tibetan relations which stemmed from thousands of years of history of close association in religion, culture, and border. Even after coming into exile, India has been home to the Tibetans for more than past six decades. During which the government & people of India have rendered extensive support to the Tibetans. He further acknowledged the friendship of Indians and Tibetans and spoke on strengthening the existing bond of friendship.

Speaking of the gratefulness of Himachal and its people for hosting His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Speaker extended special gratitude to Himachal Pradesh. He also lauded the organizers of the Himalayan Festival.

The closing ceremony was attended by the Chief Guest Shri Rakesh Pathania (Minister for Forest, HP), Special Guest Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Shri Vishal Nehria (MLA Dharamshala), Shri Onkar Nehria (Mayor of Dharamshala Municipal Corporation), Parliamentarian Dawa Tsering, Shri Ajit Nehria (President of ITFA), Dharamshala Settlement Officer Kunga Tsering, NGO heads, and the general public with the presentation of vibrant cultural performances and talks from the Chief Guest, Special Guest, and others.