Dharamshala: Secretary Dhondul Dorjee has formally assumed office as Secretary of the Department of Security under the Central Tibetan Administration, following his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture.

A charge handover ceremony was held at the Department of Security to mark the official transition. During the event, former Secretary Karma Rinchen transferred responsibilities to the incoming Secretary. Secretary Jigme Namgyal of the Department of Religion and Culture attended the ceremony on behalf of the Kashag as official witness.

In accordance with established procedures, all official files, records, documents, and departmental inventories were handed over to the new Secretary. The outgoing Secretary also conveyed his congratulations and extended his good wishes for the successful discharge of future responsibilities.

To conclude the occasion, departmental staff offered traditional khatags to the outgoing and incoming Secretaries as a token of appreciation, respect, and goodwill.

Brief Bio of Secretary Dhondul Dorjee

Secretary Dhondul Dorjee was born on 10 March 1980 in Jangthang Samed, Ladakh, to Ngawang Thokmey and Kunchok Dolma.

He began his service with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in 2008 as Deputy Secretary in the Office of the Auditor General. Later, he was posted to the Audit Office in Nepal as Deputy Head and subsequently served as the Head of the Auditor’s Office there.

In December 2012, he was appointed Secretary of OOT Nepal. During this period, he also served as Settlement Officer and Local Election Commissioner for Kathmandu, Phagshing, and Lo-tserok.

He was later transferred to Gangtok as Settlement Officer before being assigned to the Department of Home as Chief Accountant in June 2016. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was awarded the CTA Distinguished Service Award in 2017.

He was promoted to additional secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture on 1 February 2020, and later transferred to the Department of Finance as an Additional Secretary on 26 June 2023.

On 4 September 2023, he was moved to the Department of Security as an Additional Secretary, and eventually promoted to Secretary of the same department.

On 24 July 2024, he took-over charge as the Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture till his transfer to the Department of Security as its Secretary.

Dharamshala: The Political Secretary of the Kashag, Tashi Gyatso Shadrong, has officially assumed charge as Cabinet Secretary (pro tem) of the Central Tibetan Administration.

To mark the transfer of responsibilities, a handover ceremony was held at the Cabinet Secretariat. The event signified the transition of duties from the former Cabinet Secretary, Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, to the interim Cabinet Secretary, Tashi Gyatso Shadrong. Representing the Kashag, Secretary Jigme Tsering of the Kashag Secretariat’s Documents Classification and Interim Placement Section attended the ceremony as an official witness.

As part of the formal proceedings, the outgoing Secretary handed over all departmental files, records, documents, and inventories to his successor. He also conveyed his congratulations and extended his best wishes for a productive and successful tenure.

Following the completion of the handover, traditional ceremonial scarves were presented to both the former and incoming Secretaries as a gesture of goodwill and respect.

Brief Bio of Secretary Tashi Gyatso Shadrong

Secretary Tashi Gyatso Shadrong was born on 25 January 1967 in Domey Nangra, Tibet, to Jokyap and Phakmo Kyi. He completed his primary and senior secondary education in Tibet and earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from Rebgong, Tibet, in 1990. Following his arrival in India, he attended a Special Management Course at Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies in 1997 and later participated in an NCGG workshop in Mussoorie in 2018.

He joined the Central Tibetan Administration in June 1993 as Deputy Secretary in the Research Wing of the Department of Security. On 10 February 1999, he was promoted to the position of Joint Secretary.

In 2001, he took an eight-month official academic leave and resumed his duties at the Department of Security in 2002. In December 2004, he was transferred to the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) to serve on a committee tasked with assessing and verifying the deaths of 1.2 million Tibetans under Chinese rule since 1959. He was promoted to Additional Secretary in 2007 and, in September 2008, was transferred to the History and Documentation Centre under the Kashag Secretariat.

In 2010, he was transferred to the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat. Two years later, in 2012, he was promoted to Secretary and reassigned to the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. On 1 July 2021, he was appointed Political Secretary at the Kashag Secretariat. On 1 July 2021, he was appointed Political Secretary at the Kashag Secretariat. Subsequently, with the formation of the 17th Kashag, on 19 June 2026, he assumed the additional responsibility of temporary Cabinet Secretary while continuing to serve as Political Secretary.

Dharamshala, 18 June 2026: Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile extended her deepest condolences on demise of Professor Robert A. F. Thurman.

In a letter to Nena Von Schlebrugge, the Speaker wrote, “We are deeply saddened by the demise of Professor Robert A. F. Thurman, a distinguished Buddhist scholar, co-founder of Tibet House, educator, and lifelong friend of Tibet.”

“Professor Thurman dedicated his life to advancing the understanding of Buddhism, Tibetan culture, and the universal values of compassion, wisdom, and nonviolence. Through his scholarship, teaching, and unwavering advocacy, he inspired generations worldwide and played a vital role in bringing the richness of Tibetan Buddhist thought to a global audience.”

“His steadfast support for the Tibetan people and his close association with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama made him a bridge between cultures and a powerful voice for peace, justice, and human dignity.”

“As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a remarkable life devoted to learning, service, and the preservation of humanity’s spiritual heritage. His legacy will continue to inspire scholars, practitioners, and all those committed to a more compassionate world.”

“On behalf of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Tibetans around the world, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, students, and countless admirers. May you find strength and comfort in the legacy of love, kindness, and inspiration that he leaves behind,” concluded the Speaker.

– Filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat 

Dharamshala: Secretary Jigme Namgyal Namgyalkhang, who previously served as Secretary of the Department of Education, has officially taken charge as the Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration.

To commemorate the transfer of responsibilities, a handover ceremony was convened at the Department of Religion and Culture. The event marked the transition from the outgoing Secretary, Dhondul Dorjee, to the newly appointed Secretary, Jigme Namgyal. Representing the Kashag, Secretary Karma Choeying of the Department of Education attended the ceremony as an official witness.

As part of the formal proceedings, the outgoing Secretary handed over all departmental files, records, documents, and inventories to his successor. He also extended his congratulations and expressed his best wishes for a productive and successful tenure.

Upon the completion of the handover, the incoming and outgoing Secretaries as well as the official witness met with the Department’s Kalon, Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, and held a brief meeting.

Thereafter, the department staff presented traditional ceremonial scarves to both the outgoing and incoming Secretaries in recognition of their service and as a gesture of goodwill.

Brief Bio of Secretary Jigme Namgyal 

Secretary Jigme Namgyal was born on 7 May 1978 to Yudrung Tsering and Tsering Dolma. After completing his early education at CST Bir and his senior secondary education at CST Dalhousie, he joined the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Sarnath, Varanasi. In 2000, he was awarded a Gold Medal for securing first position in the Shastri degree examination, and in 2003, he graduated with an Acharya degree in First Division.

During his student years at CIHTS, Jigme Namgyal actively participated in numerous training programmes, workshops, and seminars. He also served on various student committees of the Institute.

In 2001, he was recruited into the Tibetan civil service of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and was appointed as Under Secretary in the Department of Education. Following the change in the Kashag in mid-2001, he was transferred to the Kashag Secretariat and appointed Private Secretary to the Kalon Tripa, a position now equivalent to that of the Sikyong following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s complete devolution of political authority.

During his long tenure at the Kashag Secretariat, he had the privilege of serving Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, then Kalon Tripa, from 2001 to 2011, and Dr. Lobsang Sangay from 2011 to 2016. Over this period, he held the positions of Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and, from 2010, Joint Secretary.

In August 2016, he was transferred to the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), where he was subsequently promoted to the post of Additional Secretary in 2017.

He later served as Head of the Administration Section in the Department of Education following his transfer and was appointed Secretary of the Department of Education on 3 September 2020.

With the formation of the 17th Kashag, he was transferred to the Department of Religion and Culture and appointed its Secretary.

Dharamshala: On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed his deepest condolences to Nena Thurman and the Thurman family on the passing of Professor Robert A. F. Thurman.

Professor Thurman was widely recognised for his pioneering efforts in advancing Tibetan Buddhist studies in Western academic institutions. He served as Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and helped establish both Tibet House US and Menla Retreat in New York. In recognition of his contributions, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2020.

“Professor Thurman was one of the earliest and most influential voices in promoting Tibetan Buddhism in the West. A devoted disciple and close friend of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for more than six decades, he dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom and values of Tibetan Buddhism with the world,” Sikyong wrote in his condolence message.

The letter continued, “Professor Thurman was also a steadfast advocate for the Tibetan people. Through his writings, lectures, public engagements, and testimony before the United States Congress, he helped foster greater international understanding of and support for Tibet. The Tibetan people will remember Professor Thurman with deep gratitude for his lifelong friendship, dedication and service.”

“While his passing is a great loss, his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire future generations and remain a lasting source of strength and encouragement for the Tibetan people. At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. We join you in mourning the loss of an exceptional human being while celebrating a life devoted to learning, compassion, and service,” the letter concluded.

Dharamshala: Secretary Tenzin Lekshay, formerly serving as Additional Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, has assumed office as the new Executive Director of the Tibet Policy Institute of the Central Tibetan Administration.

A brief handover ceremony was held this morning at the Tibet Policy Institute to mark the transition of responsibilities between the outgoing Executive Director, Karma Choeying, and the incoming Executive Director, Tenzin Lekshay. The ceremony was formally witnessed by Secretary Jigme Tsering from the Kashag Secretariat’s Documents Classification & Interim Placement Section, as representative of the Kashag.

During the proceedings, the outgoing Executive Director officially transferred the Institute’s records, documents, and inventory to the incoming Executive Director, while also conveying his congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure.

Following the completion of the handover process, the staff members of the Tibet Policy Institute, offered ceremonial scarves to both the outgoing and incoming Secretaries as a mark of respect and appreciation.

Brief Biography of Secretary Tenzin Lekshay:

Secretary Tenzin Lekshay was born on 29 December 1976 in Dharamshala to the late Bhutuk and Tsering Chosang. He received his early education at the Upper Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV), Dharamshala. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Madras Christian College, Chennai, and subsequently completed Master in Economics at Loyola College, Chennai. He later obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations from New York University (NYU) under the Tibetan Scholarship Programme (TSP), which he attended from 2006 to 2008.

He joined the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as an Under Secretary on 14 February 2003 and became a permanent staff member on 3 September 2003. During his tenure at DIIR, he served in various capacities, including as liaison for Tibet Support Groups. On 6 September 2006, he was granted a two-year leave of absence to pursue higher studies in the United States under the Tibetan Scholarship Program.

Following his return, he was appointed the Coordinator of the India-Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) in New Delhi under the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 16 August 2008 and was promoted to Deputy Secretary on 22 January 2009. He was transferred to the Kashag Secretariat on 11 July 2011 before returning to New Delhi on 1 August 2012 as the Media Coordinator at the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was promoted to Joint Secretary on 25 August 2014 while continuing his service at the Bureau.

On 22 May 2017, he was transferred to the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), where he served as Deputy Director and was later appointed Director in 2020. He was promoted to Additional Secretary on 21 May 2021 and transferred back to DIIR on 1 July 2021, where he was appointed as the Additional Secretary (International Relations) with the additional responsibility of serving as the official spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration.

On 8 June 2026, Tenzin Lekshay was promoted to the position of Secretary and appointed Executive Director of the Tibet Policy Institute. With this appointment, he has completed over 21 years of service in the Central Tibetan Administration.

]]> https://tibet.net/5th-summer-cultural-immersion-programme-at-college-for-higher-tibetan-studies-sarah-concludes/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:34:05 +0000 https://tibet.net/?p=269169

Dharamshala: The 5th Summer Cultural Immersion Programme, organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, concluded successfully on 16 June 2026 with a brief closing ceremony.

Kalon (Minister) Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture attended the event as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. In his remarks, the Kalon emphasised the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and noted that, despite ongoing efforts to eradicate Tibetan religion, culture, and language inside Tibet, these have been successfully preserved in exile over the past six decades through the visionary leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the dedicated efforts of earlier generations of Tibetans. He stressed that the younger generation must study diligently and equip themselves to carry this legacy forward. He also underscored the importance of upholding the values, conduct, and moral character of the Tibetan people, which have earned widespread respect and admiration from communities around the world.

A total of 21 students from approximately seven locations registered for this year’s programme. However, five participants were unable to complete the course due to the conclusion of their school holidays. The remaining 16 students successfully completed the programme.

The primary objective of the Summer Cultural Immersion Programme is to help Tibetan students studying in private schools across India and Nepal develop a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture, identity, society, and the Tibetan cause, while strengthening their connection to the wider Tibetan community.

During the 14-day programme, participants studied Tibetan language, introductory Buddhist philosophy, SEE Learning, and also received an introduction to the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan freedom movement. The curriculum also included educational visits to monasteries and cultural institutions in Dharamshala.

– Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA 

Frankfurt, Germany, 15 June 2026: As part of the final programme of his official visit to Germany, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held a strategic luncheon meeting in Frankfurt on 15 June with long-standing friends and supporters of Tibet, including Roland Koch, Dieter Beine, and Frank Auth.

Sikyong was accompanied by Representative Thinlay Chukki and UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal from the Tibet Bureau in Geneva.

The meeting provided an opportunity for an in-depth exchange of views on several issues of significance to the Tibetan people and the broader international community. Discussions focused on the health and future reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and strategies for advancing the Tibetan cause on the global stage.

Participants also discussed recent developments in international support for Tibet, including the appointment of a United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Sikyong expressed hope for enhanced cooperation among like-minded countries to strengthen legislative initiatives and international resolutions concerning Tibet.

Addressing collaboration with other communities facing similar challenges, Sikyong noted that Tibetan representatives have maintained long-standing partnerships with Uyghur organisations and have actively participated in broader coalitions advocating for the rights of underrepresented peoples. He emphasised that the Tibetan movement continues to operate through its established democratic institutions in exile, including an elected parliament, executive administration, and independent commissions.

Sikyong further highlighted recent efforts to deepen cooperation with Uyghur and Southern Mongolian activists while acknowledging differences in organisational capacities and priorities among various groups.

Reaffirming the Tibetan leadership’s unwavering commitment to the Middle Way Approach, Sikyong underscored the importance of nonviolence and reiterated the CTA’s pursuit of a negotiated and mutually beneficial resolution with Beijing based on genuine autonomy for Tibet.

He also noted that Tibetan advocacy efforts have increasingly focused on historical and legal analyses of Tibet’s status. According to Sikyong, a comprehensive understanding of Tibetan history remains essential for fostering meaningful dialogue and informed international engagement.

Referring to recent scholarly works by Chinese and international researchers, Sikyong highlighted studies examining historical records from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as well as analyses of Tibet’s status under international law. He stated that these studies contribute to addressing historical misconceptions and encouraging renewed international discussion on Tibet’s historical relationship with China.

Sikyong reiterated the Tibetan leadership’s continued commitment to seeking a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution through dialogue.

Concluding the meeting, Sikyong expressed his sincere gratitude to the participants for their enduring friendship and steadfast support for Tibet. He emphasised the importance of maintaining close engagement with long-standing partners and supporters in advancing the Tibetan cause.

The Germany visit marked Sikyong’s first official overseas tour outside India during his second term in office. Following the successful completion of his engagements in Europe, Sikyong departed for the United States to continue his official activities.

Dharamshala: Secretary Karma Choeying, formerly serving as Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, has assumed office as the new Secretary of the Department of Education under the Central Tibetan Administration.

A brief handover ceremony was held at the Department of Education to mark the transition of responsibilities between the outgoing Secretary, Jigme Namgyal Namgyalkhang, and the incoming Secretary, Karma Choeying. The ceremony was formally witnessed by Secretary Karma Rinchen of the Department of Information and International Relations, representing the Kashag.

During the proceedings, the outgoing Secretary officially transferred the Department’s records, documents, and inventory to the incoming Secretary, while also conveying his congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure.

Following the completion of the handover process, the Department’s Kalon, Ugyen Tenzin, together with staff members, offered ceremonial scarves to both the outgoing and incoming Secretaries as a mark of respect and appreciation.

Brief Bio of Secretary Karma Choeying

Secretary Karma Choeying was born in Ladakh to the late Dawa Dhondup and Sonam Noryang on 7 March 1974. He attended the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School in Ladakh and completed his Class XII education at Upper TCV in 1992. In 1995, he graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi.

Following a brief stint as a part-time teacher at TCV Suja in early 1996, he joined the Central Tibetan Administration in September 1996 as an Under Secretary.

His initial posting was at Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement in Dehradun, where he served for nearly two years. He was subsequently transferred to Rabgayling Tibetan Settlement in Hunsur as Co-operative Secretary and was later promoted to Deputy Secretary. From 2001 to 2008, he served as the Tibetan Welfare Officer in Kalimpong and later in Darjeeling.

In 2008, he was transferred to the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), and a year later he was promoted to Joint Secretary. From 2009 onward, he served as Secretary of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi until his promotion to Additional Secretary. In 2015, he was appointed Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet in Brussels. The following year, he was transferred to the Department of Home. In 2019, he returned to the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi, where he served until his promotion to the rank of Secretary.

On 17 October 2019, a day after his promotion, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, a position he held for more than six and a half years. On 15 June 2026, he assumed charge as Secretary of the Department of Education.

Secretary Karma Choeying is also an alumnus of the University of San Francisco. In 2007, he was awarded the Tibetan Scholarship Program and undertook a one-year academic program at the University.