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 

Dehradun: As part of the “Year of Compassion” programme and the celebration of the 90th Birth Year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Local Ghoton Committee of the Dehradun Tibetan Community organised a school support programme on 13 May 2023.

During the programme, school supplies such as pens, pencils, scales and notebooks were distributed to nearly 420 students from Classes 1 to 8 in three government schools located in Raipur, Manduwala and Nagal Hatnala, Dehradun.

Members of the Local Ghoton Committee also spoke to the students, teachers and school staff about the purpose of organising such activities. They explained the importance of compassion, kindness and helping others which are the values promoted during the “Year of Compassion” celebrations in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The teachers and school staff appreciated the kind support and thanked the Tibetan community for helping the students. The programme was completed successfully and brought happiness and encouragement to the children. It also helped strengthen friendship and understanding between the Tibetan community and the local people.

– Report filed by Dehradun Tibetan Settlement Office

Dharamshala: A virtual meeting organised by the Tibetan Medicare System (TMS) section to discuss Key Learning & Challenges faced in TMS Enrolment 2026 was conducted on 13 May 2026 with 61 field staff. The session focused on sharing field experiences, identifying enrolment challenges, and discussing key learnings to improve future implementation. Participants actively engaged in discussions and proposed practical solutions. The meeting concluded with clear action points for strengthening future TMS enrolment process. 

-Report filed by Department of Health

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

Kullu Manali: As part of the “Year of Compassion” programme and celebrations marking the 90th birth year of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Local Ghoton Committee of Palrabling Tibetan Settlement has undertaken a series of charitable initiatives aimed at benefiting the local Indian community. These activities were organised in an effort to put into practice a small part of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound vision of compassion and service for all sentient beings.

As part of these ongoing programmes, the committee recently offered a one-day vegetarian luncheon to 176 elderly men and women residing in various Indian welfare institutions in Kullu district, including old age homes, centres caring for elderly women with mental health conditions, homes for children with mental disabilities, and institutions for visually impaired children.

Likewise, in coordination with the concerned authorities, the committee distributed school supplies to a total of 376 students studying in six primary schools in the district. The schools included Government Primary Schools in Dobhi, Patlikuhl, Manali, 15 Mile, and Kalad, as well as Sambhota Tibetan Primary School in Manali.

During the programmes held at the respective institutions, the Settlement Officer, who also serves as Chairman of the Local Ghoton Committee, explained the objectives behind organising such initiatives. Thereafter, ceremonial khatags and commemorative mementos from the local celebration committee were presented to the heads of the respective institutions.

On the occasion, the administrators of the various institutions jointly expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Tibetan residents of Kullu for organising different forms of compassionate activities aimed at supporting poor and underprivileged Indians, patients, and students. They also offered prayers and good wishes for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Local Ghoton Committee further stated that, in accordance with the wishes and guidance of His Holiness Dalai Lama, they will continue to undertake more social welfare activities for the benefit of the wider community.

-Report filed by TSO Kullu Manali

Washington DC: On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso attended 11th founding anniversary of Youth for Umaylam (Y4U), an initiative and organisation started by local Tibetan youth to promote Middle Way Policy in Minnesota. Tenzin Pasang, former staffer assistant to Representative Betty McCollum was also invited to speak on importance of civic engagement in advocacy work. Members of local Tibetan community joined the event marking decade of youth-led effort to advance Middle Way.

On the eve of the founding day event, Tsultrim Gyatso coordinated a meeting to connect the youth board members of Y4U with local Chinese democracy activist Shi Minglei, wife to prominent Chinese human rights activist and political prisoner Cheng Yuan. In an informal and interactive environment, it brought together two parties united by a shared experience of advocating for human rights and democratic freedoms in the face of repression by the Chinese government. The dialogue marked a meaningful step toward building solidarity and mutual understanding between the two communities at the grassroots level.

Delivering a keynote presentation at the anniversary event, Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso provided a comprehensive overview of the Middle Way Policy, tracing its historical evolution in the context of political landscape changes of contemporary China under Communist Party rule. He examined how the policy has consistently served as a principled and resilient framework Tibetan struggle anchored in the values of non-violence and dialogue.

A significant portion of his address was devoted to the importance of Chinese outreach as an integral component of Tibetan advocacy. Tsultrim drew a clear and deliberate distinction between the Chinese Communist Party as a political institution and the Chinese people as a whole, cautioning against the conflation of the two. He urged the participants on cultivating engagements with the Chinese community, framing them not as opponents but as potential allies in the broader struggle.

Tsultrim closed his remarks by extending his sincere appreciation to the youth members of Y4U for their commendable initiative, leadership, and steadfast dedication in championing the official policy of the Central Tibetan Administration. He acknowledged their efforts as an invaluable contribution to the continuity and vitality of Tibetan advocacy at the grassroots level, expressing confidence that the future of the movement is well-served by their commitment and vision. Together, the two days of engagement reflect a broader momentum within Minnesota’s Tibetan community, one that is increasingly looking to forge alliances, deepen civic roots, and sustain a new generation of advocates committed to the principles of the Middle Way. 

-Report Filed by Office of Tibet, DC

Mainpat: On 12 May 2026, under the Bring Back Compact Community (BBCC) Project, the first phase of construction of 10 residential houses in Camp 4 was successfully completed and officially handed over to the beneficiaries. Camp leaders and land and House Committee members were present during the distribution ceremony, and the houses were allotted according to their respective house numbers.

– Report filed by Phendeling Tibetan Settlement Office, Mainpat