Dharamshala: On 21 May 2026, Sikyong Penpa Tsering inaugurated the two-day YES+ Stakeholder Conference organised by the Youth Empowerment Section (YES+) under the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration, at the Administration Training and Welfare Society Centre in Dharamshala. The conference sought to build a shared understanding of the Tibetan youth workforce and livelihood ecosystem, while identifying key challenges, opportunities, and partnership strategies. It also aimed to strengthen collaboration among organisations and develop a strategic YES+ roadmap for 2026–2030 to guide future community-driven initiatives.

The conference commenced with a ceremonial butter lamp lighting led by Chief Guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering. Also present on the dais were Kashag Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, Home Secretary Palden Dhondup, Finance Secretary Tsering Dhondup, Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal, and Health Secretary Jampa Phuntsok. Around 32 participants representing from 22 diverse cross-section of the Tibetan eco-system including training institutions, entrepreneurship platforms, cultural and digital innovation organisations, youth advocacy groups, development partners and CTA representatives.

During his introductory address, Home Secretary Palden Dhondup stated that unemployment among youth has become a growing concern in both independent and non-independent countries. He noted that unemployment among Tibetan youth has also increased and the idea was formulated since 2022 to bring together organisations and individuals working in the field to discuss workforce-related challenges and identify practical solutions for the Tibetan community. He added that the initiative seeks to create a positive impact on the future of Tibetan youth employment.

The Home Secretary further said that the YES+ Youth Empowerment Desk is among the most important sections under the Department of Home, as investing in youth development is key to securing a better future for the Tibetan community. He stressed that youth participation in the workforce and the development of human capital is essential. He also remarked that academic degrees alone do not guarantee employability and highlighted the importance of developing practical skills. According to him, the section plays a crucial role in promoting self-reliance and empowering young Tibetans to contribute to nation-building.

Citing recent Tibetan household statistics, the Home Secretary said that out of 85,000 Tibetans living in exile, around 67 percent are between the ages of 15 and 59 and are eligible to work. Of these, 15.6 percent are unemployed, with many youths remaining jobless after completing their education. He noted that many elderly Tibetans are supported financially by family members abroad, underscoring the need for projects and programmes that can create employment opportunities for Tibetan youth. He added that the conference is the first initiative of its kind aimed at fostering the Tibetan community for future generations.

Following the address, Sonam Tashi, programme head who oversees the YES+ youth empowerment support desk, delivered a presentation introducing the YES+ programme and its future plans. He outlined the desk’s focus on workforce development, partnerships, employability preparedness, the YES portal, and the opening of two new YES Tibetan Career Centre branches in Tibetan settlements of Bylakuppe and Ladakh.

Tenzin Khenrab, Joint Secretary overseeing the management of the YES+ programme, presented findings on sample size Tibetan workforce data. The report focused on the demographic status of Tibetans in exile, school enrolment rates, unemployment trends, global workforce patterns, and the condition of the Tibetan workforce. According to data from the Tibetan household survey conducted in 2023, the population stood at 85,700, comprising 57,000 members and more than 10,000 institutions, including monasteries. The statistics further showed an average birth rate of 420 children annually, compared to a death rate of more than 119. The report also noted a significant decline in school enrolment since 2025, with figures dropping 13,000 from 21,000, marking a 36 percent decrease in 2025.

Tenzin Norsang, principal consultant to the YES+ programme, also spoke on the settlement officer survey, global and Indian workforce trends, and provided a brief assessment of the current state of the Tibetan workforce and human capital.

In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering who is also the Kalon (Minister) of Home, extended his greetings to the participants and encouraged them to work towards developing strategic outcomes for the future implementation of the YES+ programme plans. He particularly welcomed non-governmental organisations to independently undertake initiatives that remain beyond the limited capacity of the administration. Sikyong underscored the importance of maintaining precise and reliable data collection within the Tibetan community and administrative work, urging Tibetan NGOs working for community welfare to prioritise preparedness and accurate data collection across all sectors.

Furthermore, Sikyong spoke about the allocation of the Fixed Award Amount (FAA) from the US Department of State since October 2024 to the CTA’s Departments of Home, Education, and Health. Recognising the significance and impact of the YES+ programme, the Department of Home received an allocation of around Rs 5 to 6 crore from the award this year.

Speaking on strengthening the connection between Tibetan youth and the administration, Sikyong highlighted the opportunities and youth-focused initiatives introduced by both the previous and current Kashag, encouraging young Tibetans to make full use of these opportunities and actively participate in the administration. He further advised youth to build confidence in themselves by equipping themselves with broad-based knowledge that would help them create stronger pathways for the future.

Addressing the present trend in the Tibetan job market and the increasing number of youth entering the nursing profession, Sikyong questioned the decline in applicants for accounting positions within the administration despite the continued issue of unemployment. He stressed the need to assess why many professionally trained and specialised individuals eventually secure employment in unrelated sectors.

On the political front concerning the resolution of the Tibet-China conflict, Sikyong reiterated that a solution can only emerge through engagement with the Chinese government and not through intervention from other countries or global actors. He therefore stressed the need for young Tibetans to take full responsibility in initiating their own plans and programmes moving forward. Referring to efforts to reach out to the current Chinese leadership and its hardline policies, Sikyong expressed scepticism regarding the prospects of Sino-Tibet dialogue, while assuring continued efforts through backchannel communication to establish reliable contacts and create the necessary conditions for engagement. He also reaffirmed the Middle Way Approach as the only viable path for resolving the Tibet-China conflict through dialogue with the Chinese government.

Before concluding, Sikyong encouraged everyone to read the current Kashag’s manifesto, “Securing Tibet’s Future,” to better understand the broader vision, work, and long-term goals of the CTA leadership in sustaining the Tibetan people and their cause.

Following the keynote address by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Additional Secretary Thupten Tsering from the Department of Home delivered vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a brief interactive Q&A session with Sikyong, followed by a group photo session with all participants and stakeholders.

The first YES+ Stakeholder Conference is funded by the US Department of State.

Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the closing ceremony of the two-day conference on Women’s Empowerment in Tibetan Buddhism held at the auditorium of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala, in his capacity as the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The conference, which commenced on 20 May, was inaugurated by Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Jedrung Rinpoche. It sought to highlight His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s vision and concrete contributions toward strengthening the education, ordination, and recognition of Buddhist women through institutional and spiritual reforms.

Key discussions over the course of conference focused on the institutionalisation of the Geshema degree, the recognition of 21 Tibetan and Indian female Mahasiddhis, and the possibility of establishing Bhikshuni ordination within the Tibetan Mulasarvastivada Vinaya tradition.

Jointly organised by the Department of Religion and Culture and the Dalai Lama Trust, with support from the Tibetan Nuns Project and the Tibetan Women’s Association, the conference also deliberated on the curriculum development in nunneries, institutional support for the Tibetan Nuns Project, the leadership role of Geshemas in society and monastic institutions, and prospects for greater international recognition of Buddhist women.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Kalon Rinchen Khando; Youdon Aukatsang, member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project; Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture Dhondul Dorjee; Secretary of the Dalai Lama Trust Jamphel Lhundup; His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s longtime English interpreter Geshe Thupten Jinpa; Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives Geshe Lhakdor; President of the Tibetan Women’s Association Tsering Dolma; Ven. Thupten Yarphel; Academic Principal of Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute, Geshema Delek Wangmo; Additional Secretary of the Department of Education (CTA) Tenzin Pema; and Head of the Women’s Empowerment Desk at the Department of Finance (CTA) Tenzin Dolkar, among others.

A total of 86 participants from 13 nunneries across India and Nepal attended the conference, representing all schools and traditions of the Tibetan Buddhism and Yungdrung Bon.

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamshala: This morning, when His Holiness the Dalai Lama reached the gate to his residence, on his way to the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, he was greeted by the President of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Geshé Lobsang Nyendak and former Abbots of Gomang and Gyutö Monasteries, as well as the President of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk (Four Rivers, Six Ranges) — the first Tibetan voluntary resistance force to defend Tibet. These two organisations were offering prayers for his long life.

As he drove through the temple courtyard His Holiness beamed at members of the two groups of patrons and other well-wishers gathered on either side to greet him.

In the temple, His Holiness’s throne was lavishly decorated with marigold garlands while the table before him was adorned with strings of white champaka flowers. Facing him, and presiding over the ritual was Kundeling Rinpoché. To his right sat the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery; the Abbot of Ganden Shartsé; Khensur Lobsang Khedrup, former Abbot of Gyutö; Khensur Lobsang Gyaltsen, former Abbot of Gomang; and Shartsé Khensur, Jangchub Chöden, who is Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation. To Rinpoché’s left sat the Abbot of Ganden Jangtsé, Jigmé Lamsang from Bhutan, as well as the Abbot of Ganden Shartsé, Jangchub Sangyé. In addition to them were representatives of the Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu and Bön traditions.

The ceremony began with a recitation of ‘Clouds of Ambrosial Blessings’ Trulsik Rinpoché’s invocation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s previous lives. It recalls the religious kings of Tibet, Drom Tön Pema Jungné, Jamyang Chöjé, the founder of Drepung monastery and many others in India and Tibet. The verse that refers to His Holiness’s birth goes:

To you, wondrously born in Taktser,

According to the predictions of Shridevi (Palden Lhamo),

Near the birthplace of Guru Manjunath (Jé Tsongkhapa)

In Dhomay (Amdo), to a family that originated in Central [Tibet]–we pray.

The main ceremony, following the ‘Long Life Ceremony of White Tara of the Wish-Fulfilling Wheel’ by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, began next. Arising from the white syllable TAM, White Tara was invoked. Her body is as white as the autumn moon. She has one face with three eyes, two arms, and the youthful appearance of a sixteen-year-old. Her right hand is in the gesture of granting sublime accomplishments. Between the ring finger and thumb of her left hand she holds the stem of a white Utpala flower at her heart. She sits legs crossed in the vajra posture. The following prayer was addressed to her:

Blessed one, over countless aeons,

you have trained in compassion out of loving affection.

Your aspirations are vast, your visions complete,

And now is the time to fulfill your pledge to benefit living beings.

A long series of offerings was made to her beginning with water to drink, water to wash the feet, water to wash the face, purifying water (sprinkled to remove obstructive forces), flowers, incense, light, fragrance, food, music, and so forth. There were offerings of garments, ornaments, the seven precious possessions, the seven subsidiary precious possessions, the eight auspicious symbols, the five sense objects — visual forms, music, fragrances, flavours and objects to touch. A parasol, a victory banner and a decorative banner, fabric, and music were also given.

Tara was praised:

Mother ‘Tare’, you liberate beings from samsara.

With ‘tuttare’, you liberate beings from the eight fears.

With ‘tare’, you liberate beings from death.

We prostrate to you, O Tara.

Next, at the heart of the Lama visualized as Tara a white wheel was described. It was of the nature of the moon, with eight spokes and five rims. At its hub was the white seed syllable TAM surrounded by His Holiness’s name mantra — Om Ah Guru Vajradhara Bhattarak Manjushri Vagindra Sumati Jnana Shasana Dhara Samudra Shri Bhadra Siddhi Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru.

A series of verses following the pattern of this first stanza invoked the lineage masters of this practice:

Blessed one, Buddha, Lord of the Sages-

We invite you to come to this place.

Having come to this supreme abode,

May you prolong the life of our

Glorious sacred Lama by a hundred aeons.

Please grant him the spiritual accomplishment of an immortal life.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Satgu Rora Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha

Amitabha, who adorned the head of the Lama, transformed into Amitayus, the protector of immeasurable longevity and primordial wisdom, holding a golden vase filled with the nectar of immortality. A stream of nectar rises, overflowed the vase, and entered the body of the glorious Lama through the opening at the crown of his head. His entire body was filled with nectar, purifying all dangers of disease, negative influences, harmful actions, obscurations, and premature death that appear to impure perception — so the Lama attained the spiritual accomplishment of immortality.

The Lamas conducting the ritual led the congregation of an estimated 5000 people in reciting the mantra Om Tare Tuttare Ture Satgu Rora Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha as many times as possible.

Kundeling Rinpoché, with the former President of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk and the President of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, offered a mandala to His Holiness, requesting him to live long. Representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha, a vase containing the elixir of life, symbols of the Buddhas of the five families, long-life liquor, long-life pills, the seven precious royal emblems, the eight auspicious symbols and the eight auspicious substances were offered as well.

As is customary, the ‘Song of Immortality’, the prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his Two Tutors was recited. It contains the following refrain:

To you, we offer our prayers with fervent devotion:

That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows, live for a hundred eons.

Shower on him your blessings

So that his aspirations are fulfilled without hindrance.

Members of the two groups offering prayers today filed through the temple carrying images of the enlightened ones, scriptures and so forth. Their representives approached the throne to receive His Holiness’s blessings.

A heartfelt request was made to His Holiness: “We the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk wish to greet you. We pray that the sun may soon shine once more on Tibet and that we Tibetans may gather together there. 135 monks and nuns have performed longevity rituals for Your Holiness over the last three days.”

An ornamental memento indicating gratitude and respect for His Holiness was presented to him, and its features explained, by representatives of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk.

Lamas belonging to the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association presented a silver conch with an accompanying citation that His Holiness read. They said: “In connection with the celebrations of His Holiness’s 90th birthday and the Year of Compassion we pray for the welfare of all beings, especially the people of Tibet. This silver conch we offer to you in gratitude.”

Two lay reprentatives of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association presented His Holiness with a mounted ornamental bodhi leaf telling him that they had inscribed it with words of respect for his work to preserve Tibet’s culture, literature and natural environment. “Protector of the beings and teachings of Tibet, may all your good wishes be fulfilled.”

Members of the Chushi Gangdruk sang songs composed by the Sixth Dalai Lama, including the famous prediction about his successor “White crane! Lend me your wings, I will not fly far, From Lithang, I shall return.”

His Holiness was presented with a thanksgiving mandala in gratitude for his agreement to live long. There followed a prayer to Amitayus, deity of longevity, and a recitation of ‘The Sage’s Harmonious Song of Truth — A Prayer for the Flourishing of the Teachings of the Buddha without Sectarianism’, that includes the verse:

May the lives of the masters who uphold these teachings be secure and harmonious!

May the sangha preserve these teachings through their study, meditation and activity!

May the world be filled with faithful individuals intent on following these teachings!

And long may the non-sectarian teachings of the Buddha continue to flourish!

The ceremony concluded with the prayer of the ‘Words of Truth’.

As His Holiness was leaving the temple he beaconed two young tulkus to him and gave them words of encouragement. Similarly, as he walked to the lift, he paid particular attention to elderly and young members of the crowd, but all the while keeping a smile for everyone lining the way.

Shimla: On 15 May 2026, the Chief Representative Officer (CRO) of Shimla, Lhakpa Tsering, paid a courtesy call on the honourable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and presented a formal letter. During the meeting, the welfare and concerns of the Tibetan people were discussed, and the honourable Chief Minister assured that appropriate assistance and support would be extended.

In addition, a meeting was held with the honourable Chief Minister’s Secretary, Shri Sanjiv Kumar Boudh, during which a copy of the new book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, titled Voice for the Voiceless, was presented as a souvenir in appreciation of the State government’s assistance and support to the Tibetan community.

– Report filed by Chief Representative Office, Shimla 

Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, in his capacity as the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), attended the graduation ceremony of the Kirti Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies as the chief guest earlier today.

Sikyong attended the felicitation ceremony for graduates of the Master of Vinaya Buddhist Philosophy (equivalent to M.Phil), Madhyamika Buddhist Philosophy (Buddhist Middle Way Philosophy, equivalent to M.A), and Riglampa degree programmes at Kirti Monastery. The occasion commenced with the ceremonial offering of a butter lamp by the chief guest, followed by prayers recited by the assembly.

The programme began with opening remarks by Soru Thargyal, Principal and teacher of Kirti Monastery, who gave a brief overview of the history of the Kirti Jepa Datsang Institute of Higher Studies. He noted the institute was established under the blessings and guidance of Kirti Rinpoche, with initial construction beginning in April 1988. He further stated that Khenpos and teachers joined the institute in 1990, two years after its establishment.

Recalling the institute’s academic history, he remarked that the first graduation ceremony was held on 9 May 1996 under the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and since many monks have graduated from the monastery.

He further stated, “Since 1990, around 700 monks have enrolled at the monastery. At present, the monastery has 109 monks and 16 teachers, with a total of 186 monks and staff, including administrative personnel.” He concluded by presenting a brief report on the monastery’s publications and achievements since its establishment.

Assistant Principal Kunchok Woser announced the names of the twenty-three graduating monks during the ceremony, after which Sikyong Penpa Tsering presented them with certificates and ceremonial scarves.

Addressing the graduation ceremony, Sikyong expressed appreciation to the teachers, monastery officials, and all those involved in nurturing and guiding the students in their academic and spiritual pursuits. He encouraged the graduates to utilise their knowledge and learning for the benefit of society and the preservation of Tibetan religion and culture.

Sikyong stated that the opportunity to hold such a ceremony was made possible through the grace and kindness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He remarked that although many monasteries in Tibet were destroyed following China’s occupation, they had been successfully re-established and preserved in exile. He further highlighted the dedicated efforts of Kirti Rinpoche, stating that his contributions have greatly benefited not only Kirti Monastery in exile but also the wider Tibetan community and those engaged in the study of Tibetan Buddhism.

Following Sikyong addressed the situation inside Tibet, noting that many of the self-immolations in Tibet have occurred in the Kirti region, reflecting a strong sense of political awareness among the Tibetan people there.

In his keynote address, Sikyong spoke about the growing challenges confronting the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, and language inside Tibet. He referred to the approval of China’s “Ethnic Unity Law” on 12 March 2026, stating that the legislation institutionalises policies aimed at accelerating the assimilation of ethnic minorities into a Han-centric Chinese identity. He noted that the law use as a legal instrument to undermine Tibetan national identity and to restrict the use of the Tibetan language and culture.

Thereby, Sikyong emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Tibet’s rich Buddhist philosophy and cultural heritage through continued study, practice, and service to the community. He further underscored the importance of the Tibetan language, describing it as a vital foundation for safeguarding Tibetan identity, religion, and culture for future generations.

Referring to the large number of tourists visiting Tibetan settlements and places such as Dharamshala, he stated that it is important to communicate and explain Tibetan religion and culture in different languages in order to raise greater awareness among both local residents and international visitors.

In this connection, Sikyong provided a brief overview of ongoing digitisation and library initiatives, including efforts to archive important records and Buddhist texts through digital preservation. Sikyong also highlighted initiatives undertaken to preserve Tibetan religion and culture, including the Tibetan Digital Library and the launch of the “Neykor” app.

He noted that the app currently supports three languages and added that there are plans to make it accessible in multiple languages in the future in order to reach a wider audience.

“Given China’s current policy approach, dialogue between Tibet and China remains difficult. However, education—whether pursued in monasteries or elsewhere—must be utilised for the benefit of society and others,” Sikyong concluded.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Lobsang Tsondue, followed by a group photograph with the graduating monks.

Mussoorie: On Thursday, 14 May, the Public Service Commission (PSC) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organised a Leadership Development Programme for CTA senior officials at the National Centre for Good Governance. A total number of 19 participants, including 14 male and 5 female attended the programme. The participants include officials from Joint Secretary to Secretary level.

The programme began at 9:30 a.m with welcome speech by Dr. M.K Bhandari, who also conducted a self-introduction and ice-breaking session by dividing participants into group of five, then each participants introduced themselves.

After this, Professor Dr. A.P. Singh addressed the gathering and spoke about the history and establishment of this institute. He said the institution follows the values and legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration.

After the address from Dr. A.P. Singh, PSC Chairman Karma Yeshi welcome the participants and thanked the NCGG team including Programme Coordinator Dr. A.P. Singh, for organising the training programme. He mentioned that the last programme for senior CTA officials at the institute was held in 2018, and after eight years the training was organised again.

In his speech, Chairman Karma Yeshi said leadership merely doesn’t mean power and position. It is rather one must be responsible, capable, ability to take decision, adaptable and confident.

The Chairman further explained that the programme was designed to help participants improve their decision-making skills, develop a broader understanding of their work and how to build team. He also highlighted the importance of exposure visits – visiting different institutions help participants learn new things and meeting officials which help them communicate better and work more easily together in future. He also encourages participants to actively take part in the sessions by asking questions and sharing ideas. He urged them to use the knowledge gained from the training in their daily work.

The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. M. K. Bandari.

– Report filed by Public Service Commission, CTA

Dharamshala: The Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration announced the elected members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 13 May 2026 during a press conference held at the Lhakpa Tsering Hall following the successful completion of the two rounds of the Tibetan general election 2025–26.

Of the 45 members elected to the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, 17 are newly elected members who did not serve in the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The preliminary and final elections were held on 1 February and 26 April 2026, respectively, across 27 countries by a total of 1,737 election officers at 309 polling stations. The voter turnout in the preliminary round was 56.25 percent (51,140 voters), while the final round witnessed a participation rate of 45.71 percent (41,638 voters) out of a total registered electorate of 91,073. During the final round, a total of 570 ballots were rejected as invalid during the counting process.

During the press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi disclosed that, over the course of the electoral period, 100 meetings were convened with Regional Election Officers and Observers at 55 different locations across seven countries. In addition, awareness and orientation training session was held in Dharamshala for India-based Local Tibetan Election Commissioners and Election Officers.

The Chief Election Commissioner, accompanied by Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, also addressed matters and concerns relating to the electoral process, including the initiatives and measures undertaken by the Election Commission to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the election. These included the Commission’s efforts to explore possible measures to facilitate the participation of Tibetans serving in the Dhanglob in the Tibetan general election; the establishment of an additional 31 polling stations during the winter retail season for Tibetan sweater sellers; the successful conduct of polling for Tibetan residents in Russia through the assistance of a Tibetan sMenpa; the unprecedented conduct of polling for Tibetan residents in South Korea; and similar efforts undertaken for Tibetan residents in Hawaii, which ultimately could not be implemented due to logistical limitations.

According to them, the Election Commission also reached out to several individuals to encourage their participation in the electoral process in order to address the shortfall in the requisite number of candidates during the final round and to ensure the successful conduct of the election.

Before concluding the press conference, the trio expressed their sincere appreciation to all central and regional election officers and staff for their efforts in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the election; to the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for their support and guidance; to CTA staff for their assistance; and to the general Tibetan public for their participation.

Dharamshala: The entire staff of the Central Tibetan Administration Headquarter in Dharamshala, led by Cabinet Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, was granted a deeply moving special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang earlier this morning.

On behalf of all staff members, Cabinet Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi offered a statue of White Tara—the embodiment of compassion and longevity—to His Holiness as a humble expression of devotion, gratitude, and reverence.

During the audience, His Holiness the Dalai Lama graciously bestowed blessings upon each staff member individually as they proceeded in a queue. The atmosphere was quiet yet profoundly charged with emotion—many staff members visibly moved as they received His Holiness’ blessings at close range.

As the formal audience came to a close and His Holiness prepared to depart, the gathered staff spontaneously broke into a unified chant:

“In the heavenly realm of Tibet, surrounded by a chain of snow mountains,
The source of all happiness and help for beings
Is Tenzin Gyatso—Chenrezig in person—
May his life be secure for hundreds of aeons!”

The courtyard resonated with devotion and heartfelt longing as voices merged into one, reflecting both reverence and an unspoken bond of gratitude.

Departing from his usual routine, His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked with unhurried steps past the staff assembled on either side of the aisle. His Holiness smiled warmly and waved to the staff, meeting their gaze with quiet compassion.

The audience was organised to inspire younger staff members who have recently joined the Central Tibetan Administration, encouraging them to carry forward their responsibilities in the Tibetan freedom movement with renewed dedication, and to strengthen their resolve toward a peaceful resolution of the more than six-decade-long stalemate in the Sino-Tibet conflict.

Traditionally, such special audiences for CTA staff were held every few years. In recent times, however, the intervals between these gatherings have grown longer, making this encounter all the more meaningful and deeply cherished by those present.

Dharamshala: Ven Thubten Wangchen, Former Members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, has been appointed as the new Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to latin America at the Tibet House Brasil (also called Office of Tibet).

The circular states:

As per Article 19(1) of the Public Service Commission’s rules and regulations, Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Offices of Tibet must be appointed by the Kashag in the attendance of Sikyong and the Kalons. Ven Thubten Wangchen is appointed as the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Tibet House Brasil, effective 18 May2026.

Brief Bio:

Ven Thubten Wangchen was born on 25^th December 1954 in Kyirong, Tibet, and fled to India in 1959. He attended Central School for Tibetan, Dalhousie with the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and kind help of the Central Tibetan Administration, and the Indian government. At the age of 16, he joined the Namgyal Monastery in Dharamshala, where he studied Buddhist philosophy and its rituals, ceremonies, sacred dances, Mandalas, etc. for 11 years. In 1982, he moved to Spain as a translator for a Buddhist center called FPMT and he was the first-ever Tibetan to reside permanently in Spain.

He has established a Cultural Center called ‘Tibet House Foundation’ in Barcelona, Spain to enhance the dissemination and advocacy of Tibetan Culture, Human Rights, cooperation, and solidarity with the Tibetan people in exile, which was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1994. He was earlier elected to the 15th, 16th, and 17th TPiE. On 11 May 2026, he was appointed as the new Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to latin America at the Tibet House Brasil.