Dharamshala: As part of his ongoing official engagements in Mundgod Doeguling Tibetan Settlement, Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture (DoRC), Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, attended the cremation ceremony of the former Abbot of Drepung Monastery, Jetsun Konchok Paksam Pal Sangpo, on 18 August 2026.

Following the ceremony, the Kalon visited Drepung Gomang College, where he toured the main assembly hall and the classrooms of the college and held discussions with the concerned officials. He also visited the college library and reviewed the DoRC’s digital library project, engaging in detailed discussions with the project team.

The Kalon subsequently visited Rato Monastery, Sakya Tsechen Dongag Choeling, and Drepung Lachi, where he received warm welcomes from the respective abbots and treasurers and held discussions on matters concerning the monasteries.

Following lunch hosted by Drepung Lachi, the Kalon visited Drepung Loseling Monastery. He toured the monastery library and conducted a special inspection of the digital library project. He also visited the classrooms of the monastery’s school and the main assembly hall, where he offered prayers and held discussions with the monastery treasurer. Later, the Kalon visited monastery’s Medical Centre and the Meditation and Science Centre and met with the concerned personnel.

During his meetings with the monastery treasurers, the Kalon expressed appreciation for the commendable efforts being made towards developing the monasteries’ digital libraries project and encouraged them to continue their work on the initiative. He also emphasised the importance of complying with FCRA rules and urged the monasteries to communicate with the Central Tibetan Administration through the concerned settlement offices in accordance with established administrative procedures.

The Kalon further advised the monasteries to ensure that newly admitted children bring the legally required consent and endorsement from their parents to prevent potential complications in the future.

The Kalon’s visit continued with a visit to the Old Age Home in Mundgod, where he met with elderly residents and encouraged them to continue engaging diligently in recitations and other spiritual practices.

With this, the second day of the Kalon’s official visit concluded successfully.

-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture

Mundgod: The Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture (DoRC), Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, commenced his official visit to the Mundgod Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in Karnataka, Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Dolanji Tibetan Settlement (Bonshi), and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh from 16 August to 1 September 2026. During the visit, he is scheduled to visit monasteries, seek audiences with revered Lamas, and meet members of the Tibetan communities in the respective regions.

On the morning of 16 August at 9:30 a.m., the Kalon was warmly welcomed by representatives of 26 local government and non-governmental organisations in front of the Mundgod Doeguling Settlement Office. He subsequently toured the Settlement Office and its various sections before visiting the office of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement.

The Kalon then visited the Local Tibetan Assembly, where the 12th session was underway. The Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly welcomed him and acknowledged his presence, following which the DoRC Kalon briefly introduced himself.

The Kalon explained that his visit to the Mundgod Doeguling Settlement followed the longstanding tradition of the DoRC, under which the Kalon undertakes visits to Tibetan settlements after assuming responsibility. He further noted that the engagements in the settlement included audiences with Kyabje Ganden Tri Rinpoche and Kyabje Shartse and Jangtse Chojey Rinpoches, and visits to monasteries within the settlement.

In response to the Settlement Officer’s remarks on the strong spirit of cooperation and harmony among the Local Settlement Office, members of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the Cooperative Society, and other sectors of the settlement, the Kalon commended this spirit and encouraged all concerned to uphold and preserve it.

Following this, the Kalon paid obeisance to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s humble residence in the settlement and then visited Doeguling Multipurpose Primary Rural Agriculture Cooperative Society Ltd, where he met with the staff members. The Vice President of the Society presented a report on the current status and activities of the Doeguling Multipurpose Primary Rural Agriculture Cooperative Society Ltd. The Kalon expressed appreciation for the work being carried out by the Cooperative Society, particularly its management and activities that directly benefit community members, as highlighted in the report. He encouraged the organisation to continue carrying out its responsibilities with dedication and commitment.

Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi subsequently visited the settlement’s Shiwatso Library, the office and auditorium of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, and the sewing centre. He also inspected the Reimagining Doeguling Tibetan Settlement (RDTS) Office. Following a briefing by the concerned staff on the RDTS, its activities and the work accomplished so far, a summary of its annual report was presented.

Commending the Doeguling RDTS Project for its notable efforts towards the welfare of the community, the Kalon encouraged the organisation to continue undertaking similar initiatives in other areas. He also stressed the importance of creating greater awareness among young Tibetans in the settlement about preserving the Tibetan language and culture in the modern context, particularly in view of China’s ongoing efforts to severely undermine Tibetan identity inside Tibet.

The Kalon then attended a luncheon hosted by the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association and the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress in his honour and further visited the local Opera troupe, Youth Association, Ex-Servicemen Association, and the Mundgod Branch of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (Men-Tsee-Khang). During these visits, he held informal discussions with the heads and staff members of each organisation.

-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA

Dharamshala: On 20 August 2026, marking the 49th day since Tibetan martyr Lobsang Palden (alias Lobga Rangzen) set himself ablaze in protest against China’s continued repression inside Tibet and the recently implemented “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” the 17th Kashag and the 18th Tibetan Parliament in Exile will jointly organise a peaceful march in Dharamshala to honour his sacrifice and commemorate all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet.

Lobsang Palden’s ultimate sacrifice comes at a time when China is further tightening its grip on Tibet and other occupied and marginalised regions through laws and policies designed to accelerate the assimilation of distinct national, cultural, and linguistic identities. The recently enacted “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” despite its ostensibly benign title, represents a final nail in the coffin, providing a legal framework for the further Sinicisation of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other communities officially designated as “ethnic minorities” within the People’s Republic of China.

The peaceful march will therefore not only be an occasion to honour the courage and sacrifice of Lobsang Palden, but also an opportunity for Tibetans and supporters of the Tibetan cause to come together in solidarity and peacefully raise their collective voice against China’s ongoing destruction of Tibet’s distinct identity, culture and way of life.

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the 49th day after a person’s demise marks the completion of the traditional 49-day period of the intermediate state, or bardo. To mark this significant day, a two-hour prayer service will be held at Tsuglagkhang from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on 20 August. The prayer service will also be jointly organised by the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament in Exile to mourn the loss of Tibetan patriots from both inside and outside Tibet and to express solidarity with their bereaved families.

Following the prayer service, the peaceful march will commence from Tsuglagkhang and proceed towards the Police Ground in Dharamshala. All Tibetans and friends of Tibet are encouraged to join the march and stand together in remembrance, solidarity and support for the cause of Tibet.

The Kashag has also dispatched instructions to all Tibetan Settlement Offices and Offices of Tibet to organise similar prayer services in their respective regions, ensuring that Tibetans across the world can collectively remember and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Tibet.

Despite this official expression of objection to the Chinese government’s new legislation, and in honour of the sacrifice of Lobsang Palden and all other Tibetan martyrs, Tibetans across the world have, since early July, initiated a series of events, campaigns and peaceful protests to condemn the PRC’s policies towards “ethnic minorities” within China and to amplify the voice raised by Lobsang Palden through his ultimate sacrifice on 2 July in front of the UN Headquarters in New York.

Members of the Uyghur, Mongolian and pro-democracy Chinese communities have also joined these campaigns in solidarity with the Tibetan people and in recognition of the sacrifice of martyr Lobsang Palden. Their participation has further underscored the shared concerns of communities facing the government of China’s increasingly assimilationist policies and the importance of standing together in defence of their distinct identities, cultures and fundamental rights.

Since the enactment of the “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law”, several countries, including Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have condemned or expressed serious concerns about the law, raising alarms over its potential repercussions for the preservation of the distinct identities of Tibetans and other “ethnic minorities” in the PRC. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also expressed serious concerns about the law during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, warning of its potential impact on minority-language education and the freedom to practice religion and culture. The European Parliament likewise strongly condemned the law, citing its implications for ethnic, cultural, religious, and linguistic rights, and called for its repeal.

Speaking to the media on India’s 80th Independence Day, Sikyong Penpa Tsering said that the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration would also participate in the peaceful march on 20 August. Sikyong, however, cautioned that the purpose of the march is not to encourage Tibetans to view self-immolation as only avenue for expressing their aspirations, emphasising that the loss of even one Tibetan patriot is a tremendous loss for the Tibetan cause. 

Dharamshala: On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day of India, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) observed a brief ceremony at Gangchen Kyishong on 15 August 2026 to commemorate the historic occasion and express solidarity with the people of India. The ceremony was attended by the heads of the three pillars of the Central Tibetan Administration, Kalon (Minister), Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE), Secretaries, senior officials and staff of various departments of the CTA.

The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, followed by the rendition of the Indian national anthem.

Addressing the media on the occasion, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for their longstanding support and hospitality towards the Tibetan people. He said that the participation of the CTA leadership, dignitaries and staff in the flag-hoisting ceremony and singing the Indian national anthem was a meaningful expression of solidarity with the people of India.

Reflecting on India’s struggle for independence, Sikyong said the occasion serves as a reminder to Tibetans outside – the value of freedom and democracy, particularly as Tibetans inside Tibet continue to face a critical situation under the rule of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). He noted that India’s independence was achieved through generations of struggle and the sacrifices which will serve as a source of inspiration and hope for Tibetans.

Sikyong recalled the sacrifices of Tibetan freedom fighters, including the recent self-immolation of Lobga Rangzen, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Tibet. He said that while such sacrifices may not bring immediate responses, the courage and sacrifices of those who have given their lives for Tibet will remain part of world history and be remembered by future generations.

He reaffirmed that the Tibetan people will continue their peaceful struggle for freedom while expressing their deep appreciation to the Government and people of India for their continued support. In response to questions from the media, Sikyong Penpa Tsering commended the CTA and the TPiE for their plans to hold an official prayer service in Dharamshala on 20 August 2026, commemorating the 49th day since the passing of Lobga Rangzen.

Dharamshala: The Public Service Commission (PSC) successfully concluded a 10-day Tibetan language workshop for Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) staff working at Tibetan Settlement Offices on 12 August 2026 at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah. The closing programme began at 4:00 p.m. and was attended by PSC Chairman Karma Yeshi, PSC Secretary Tenzin Legdup, Principal of Sarah College, and the lecturers.

The programme began with the presentation of token of appreciation to the lecturers in recognition of their dedicated guidance and teaching throughout the workshop. Participation certificates were then distributed to all participants by Passang Tsering, Principal of Sarah College and a member of the Public Service Commission.

Participants also shared their experiences and highlighted how the workshop had enhanced their Tibetan language proficiency and strengthened their confidence in using Tibetan in their official duties.

In his closing address, PSC Chairman Karma Yeshi thanked all the participants for their sincere participation in the workshop. He emphasised that language is the foundation of identity and highlighted the importance of learning Tibetan history, literature, poetry, and other subjects related to Tibetan language and culture.

The Chairman expressed concern over efforts by the Chinese government to weaken Tibetan language education in Tibet by restricting its use in education and daily life. He therefore urged everyone to speak and write in Tibetan more frequently in order to contribute to the preservation of the Tibetan language and culture.

Chairman Karma Yeshi encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge they had gained during the workshop in their daily work. He also reminded them to follow and abide by rules and regulations, respect their seniors, and continue serving CTA and the Tibetan people with dedication, particularly during these difficult times.

In his vote of thanks, PSC Secretary Tenzin Legdup expressed his sincere gratitude to the staff of Sarah College, the lecturers, and all the participants for their contributions to the success of the workshop. He also acknowledged that the training was made possible through financial support from the United States Department of State.

Secretary Tenzin Legdup further stated that the training would contribute to improving the participants’ knowledge and encouraged them to continue writing in Tibetan. He reminded them that preserving the Tibetan language is a shared responsibility, particularly for Tibetan civil servants serving in the CTA.

-Report filed by PSC, CTA

Dharamshala: Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) marked its 67th anniversary on 11 August with a commemorative programme featuring a traditional Tibetan song and dance competition at the institute.

Chief Guest Yeshi Wangmo, Chief Justice of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, and Special Guest Lobsang Jinpa, Secretary of the Gaden Phodrang Office, attended the event along with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, former officials, representatives of the Government of India’s liaison office, representatives of Tibetan and non-Tibetan organisations, former TIPA members and invited guests.

The programme opened with a minute of silence in remembrance of more than 150 Tibetans who have died through self-immolation in connection with the Tibetan cause. TIPA Director Dhondup Tsering delivered the introductory remarks, while Artistic Director Tenzin Phuntsok introduced the judges for the cultural song and dance competition.

Two teams presented eight performances featuring traditional Tibetan music and dance from regions including Ngari, Lhokha, Lithang and Derge. The Gyalu team won the competition by a one-percentage-point margin, with Justice Yeshi Wangmo presenting the award. Lobsang Jinpa presented honoraria to the judges and certificates to two senior artists who had completed their master’s programmes.

In his address, Lobsang Jinpa highlighted the centuries-old history of Tibetan performing arts, including traditions associated with the reign of King Songtsen Gampo and the development of Ache Lhamo, traditionally attributed to the 14th-century master Thangtong Gyalpo. He also noted that Nangma and Toe songs originated in Ngari before spreading to central Tibet and highlighted the contributions of 20th-century musicians and performers.

“In order to protect Tibetan cultural identity and advance Tibetan culture globally, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama established TIPA in exile,” said Lobsang Jinpa. He commended TIPA’s ongoing efforts to conserve and transmit indigenous music, dances, and theatrical shows to future generations.

The competition followed a 40-day training programme from July 1 to August 10, during which students researched traditional songs, consulted senior singers and cultural practitioners, and adapted traditional music for stage performances.

The anniversary programme concluded with a vote of thanks, refreshments for guests and a showcase of TIPA’s continuing efforts to preserve and transmit Tibetan performing arts.

-Report filed by Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

Dharamshala: Home Kalon (Minister) Palden Dhondup concluded a three-day official visit to Kullu-Manali, Mandi, Sundernagar, and Tsopema from 2 to 4 August 2026, during which he attended the 20th Working Committee Meeting of the Ngari Chithun Association, visited Tibetan settlements, met local communities, and held discussions with local officials on issues affecting Tibetan settlements.

Upon his arrival at Kullu–Manali, Home Kalon was received by Settlement Officer Tenzin Namgyal and Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly Tenzin Mipham.

At the invitation of the Central Executive Committee of the Ngari Chithun Association. Home Kalon Palden Dhondup attended the inaugural ceremony of the 20th Working Committee Meeting of the Ngari Chithun Association in Kullu-Manali as the Chief Guest,

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Gonpo Dhundup, Member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, as the Special Guest; other dignitaries and attendees included former Himachal Pradesh MLA Shri Ravi Thakur, Ngari Chithun Association President Kunga Thinley, Local Tibetan Assembly Chairman Tenzin Mipham, Tibetan Settlement Officer Tenzin Namgyal, representatives of various local organisations, participants, and members of the Tibetan community.

In his keynote address, Kalon Palden Dhondup emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding Tibetan identity, language, and culture. He called upon the community to remain united and continue contributing to the welfare of the Tibetan people and the just cause of Tibet.

During his official days, Kalon visited 15 Mile Tibetan Settlement, Sambhota Tibetan School (Manali), Manali Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement, Bhuntar Tibetan Settlement and Kullu Palrabling Tibetan settlement where he addressed public gatherings in the community halls, briefed the public on the Department of Home’s ongoing initiatives, listened to their concerns, and responded to questions raised by community members.

On his return journey to Dharamsala, Kalon Palden Dhondup made a brief visit to the Pandoh Tashiling Tibetan Settlement in Mandi, where he was received by Settlement Officer Jamyang Dolma. During the visit, he met with settlement staff and members of the local Tibetan community to discuss issues affecting the settlement.

Thereafter, in Sundernagar of Mandi district, Kalon held a meeting with Shri Rakesh Katoch, Divisional Forest Officer, Suket Forest Division, to discuss forest land issues affecting Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh, with particular focus on concerns relating to the Tsopema (Rewalsar) area. The meeting explored practical measures to address these challenges through continued coordination between the concerned authorities and the Department of Home.

Following this, the Home Kalon visited the Tsopema Holy Caves, where he inspected the site and held discussions with the abbot and representatives of the nunnery regarding forest land issues and other challenges affecting the monastery and the surrounding sacred site. Upon concluding the visit, the Home Kalon returned to Dharamshala.

– Report filed by Department of Home, CTA

Dharamshala: Kalon (Minister) Urgen Tenzin of the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), conducted an official visit to the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School and Sherab Gatsel Ling on the morning of 4 August 2026, as part of the school inspection programme.

Upon arrival, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin and Department of Education Secretary Karma Choeying were warmly received by Tsering Dhondup, Director of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS); Tenzin Nagdon, Deputy Director of STSS (Academic); Tenzin Dorjee, Deputy Director of STSS (Administration); Tenzin Choedon, Principal of Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School; Sonam Wangmo, Headmistress of Sherab Gatsel Ling; and members of the teaching staff.

As part of the inspection, Education Kalon visited classrooms from grades 4 to 10, the staff room, Mathematics Laboratory, Tibetan Language Laboratory, computer class, language room, library, Sherab Gatsel Ling administrative office, classrooms, and student hostels.

Following the inspection, Education Kalon proceeded to the school hall, where he addressed the teaching staff and students.

The programme commenced with opening remarks by Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Principal Tenzin Choedon, followed by addresses from Department of Education Secretary Karma Choeying and Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin. 

Addressing the gathering, Department of Education Secretary Karma Choeying outlined the objectives of the Central Tibetan Administration’s Basic Education Policy (BEP), which seeks to nurture academically competent and morally responsible individuals rooted in Tibetan language, culture, and identity.

He also highlighted the increasingly critical situation inside Tibet, noting that the Chinese authorities continue to implement policies aimed at eroding Tibetan religion, culture, and language, including the enforcement of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. He said these measures pose a serious challenge to preserving the distinct identity of the Tibetan people. Against this backdrop, he stressed that safeguarding Tibetan language and cultural heritage through education remains one of the CTA’s highest priorities and urged students to cherish their mother tongue and uphold their cultural traditions and national identity.

In his keynote address, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin encouraged students and staff to understand the objectives of the BEP, describing it as the foundation of the Tibetan education system that promotes holistic education by integrating traditional Tibetan values with modern learning. He briefly traced the development of the policy, noting that it was formulated through extensive consultations and adopted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in September 2004 during the tenure of former Kalon Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.

He further emphasised the importance of maintaining good health and personal hygiene, encouraging students to adopt healthy eating habits by choosing nutritious meals and fresh fruits over junk food. He noted that many health problems stem from poor dietary habits and urged students to take greater responsibility for their physical well-being.

Education Kalon also emphasised the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and identity in exile while upholding human values, moral ethics, and discipline. He encouraged students to respect their teachers and school staff, cultivate a spirit of public service, and approach their studies with critical thinking and a long-term perspective. He further urged students to develop a habit of reading by making full use of the school’s educational resources, particularly the Tibetan Language Laboratory and the library, to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their Tibetan language proficiency.

Before concluding his address, Education Kalon advised students to resolve problems while they are still manageable rather than allowing them to grow into larger challenges. He reaffirmed the value of education as the foundation for personal growth and future success, and offered words of encouragement to students who had recently fled Tibet, urging them to remain resilient, persevere in their studies, and never lose hope despite the hardships they had endured.

Throughout the inspection visit, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin was accompanied by Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Director Tsering Dhondup, Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Principal Tenzin Choedon, and Sherab Gatsel Lobling Headmistress Sonam Wangmo.

Sarah: The Public Service Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) inaugurated a ten-day Tibetan Language Workshop for Tibetan Settlement Office staff this morning at College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS), Sarah. The workshop has brought together 21 CTA officials currently serving as office secretaries in various Tibetan settlement offices in India and Nepal.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Karma Yeshi, as the chief guest. Also present were CHTS Principal Passang Tsering, Public Service Commission Secretary Tenzin Legdup, and the workshop instructors, who are faculty members of the college. The programme commenced with the lighting of the traditional ceremonial butter lamp by the Chairman Karma Yeshi and Principal Passang Tsering.

Following the inauguration, the participating CTA officials introduced themselves, sharing their respective settlement offices and providing the gathering with an overview of their backgrounds.

Passang Tsering, Principal of CHTS, addressed the participants by highlighting the improvements made to the workshop facilities, the minor revisions to the course structure, and introducing the new batch of college faculty members assigned to conduct the sessions.

He underscored the importance of teaching and learning Tibetan history, noting the growing challenge posed by false narratives promoted by some Western Tibetologists. He stressed that individuals should be well-equipped with an accurate understanding of Tibetan history so they can confidently explain and uphold the truth whenever the need arises.

Speaking about the workshop’s objectives, he states that the Tibetan Language Workshop for Tibetan Settlement Offices is specifically designed to strengthen participants’ Tibetan language proficiency in relation to their current professional responsibilities. Unlike courses intended to prepare candidates for the CTA Civil Service Entrance Examination, the workshop aims to support the continuous development of Tibetan language skills throughout participants’ careers.

The Chairman Karma Yeshi, emphasised that learning is a lifelong pursuit, drawing on the Buddhist belief that knowledge and wisdom benefit an individual not only in this life but also in future lives. He stressed the enduring value of continuous learning and self-improvement.

He spoke about the CTA staff Training Policy, which provides training at three different stages of a civil servant’s career. In this context, he highlighted the importance of Tibetan language proficiency, particularly in drafting official correspondence, and urged participants to pay close attention to the nuances of formal writing and avoid Tibetan spelling errors.

Encouraging participants to make the most of the programme, he urged them to reflect on what they had learned and assess how much they had improved by the end of the workshop. He also stressed the importance of overall personal development, including maintaining good handwriting, noting that such qualities are especially significant for settlement office secretaries and reflect both professionalism and personal discipline.

He further encouraged participants to openly share the experiences and challenges they encounter in their respective settlements among each other and to actively engage with the faculty by seeking clarification whenever they had questions or doubts.

Concluding his address, Karma Yeshi reflected on the current challenges facing the Tibetan cause and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advancing age. He reminded CTA civil servants to remain mindful of the sacrifices made by Tibetans, while encouraging them to take care of their health, preserve Tibetan culture and language, and carry out their responsibilities with dedication.

The ten-day workshop will comprise a total of 52 sessions covering Tibetan history, Tibetan grammar, official letter writing, lexicography, and phonetics.