Dharamshala: The leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service this afternoon to mourn the passing of former Kalon (Kasur) Choepe Paljor Tsering Namru Ringpapo Ntsang, who passed away in Australia on 11 June 2026.

The late Kasur devoted more than four decades of dedicated service to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan people, and the Tibetan cause, demonstrating unwavering commitment and loyalty throughout his life. He has served as the Kalon for Department of Health during the 13th Kashag and served over two decades as the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in various countries.

During the prayer service, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, serving as the officiating Sikyong, briefly highlighted the life and contributions of the late Kasur and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Brief Bio:

Kasur Chope was born in 1948 in Namru, in the Northern Plains of Tibet. Following the Communist Chinese invasion of Tibet, he fled with his family at around the age of ten. The family eventually settled in Pokhara, Nepal.

In 1966, he served as the translator during the establishment of the Tashi Ling Tibetan settlement in Pokhara. From 1968 to 1970, he studied in the United Kingdom before returning to Tashi Ling to serve as a teacher and, later, school principal. From 1973, he served as Tibetan Settlement Officer of Dhorpatan, northern Nepal.

From 1978 Kasur Chope served at the Office of the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Nepal. He was then transferred to the Department of Education in Dharamshala as its Deputy Secretary on 26 April 1982. Returning to Nepal, he served as the Central Tibetan Administration’s Education Officer for Nepal.

From May 1986, Kasur Chope served as the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Nepal. He went on to serve as Representative for Eastern Europe (1991–1998), for Australasia (1998–2002), and finally for Japan and East Asia (2002–2007). With twenty-one years in the role, he was the longest-serving Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama thus far.

In 2007, he was unanimously elected to the 13th Kashag (Cabinet) by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and served as Kalon (Minister) for Department of Health until 2011.

In retirement, he continued to work to preserve and promote Tibetan language and culture through the Global Tibet Institute.

He passed away in the afternoon of 11 June 2026 in Australia.

Dharamshala, 12 June 2026: The third Tibetan Arts and Crafts Exposition commenced today at the Tsuglagkhang in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. The two-day event, organised by the Department of Religion and Culture (DoR&C), was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Following the ceremonial lighting of a butter lamp and ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of the exposition, the Speaker addressed members of the media and underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Tibet’s distinct cultural and artistic heritage. She noted that these efforts are especially significant at a time when the Chinese government’s policies in Tibet seek to undermine Tibetan identity through measures aimed at the Sinicisation of Tibetan culture and society.

The two-day exposition brings together institutional and private organisations, including Tibetan cultural centers, to showcase traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and to foster greater public appreciation of Tibet’s rich cultural heritage.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat

Dharamshala: The Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, commenced its 3rd Tibetan Arts and Crafts Exposition at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Temple in Dharamshala earlier today. The two-day event brings together Tibetan artists, artisans, and cultural organisations to showcase the diversity of Tibetan arts, crafts, and cultural heritage.

The exposition was inaugurated by Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile as the chief guest. She was accompanied by Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture.

During her remarks to the media, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang highlighted the critical situation facing Tibetan children in Tibet, stating that many children between the ages of 4 and 18 are enrolled in colonial-style boarding schools where the use and practice of Tibetan language, culture, and religion are increasingly restricted. She underscored the importance of organising events such as the Tibetan Arts and Crafts Exposition in exile to preserve and promote Tibetan identity.

She further expressed hope that future editions of the exposition could be held in major cities and other locations to reach a wider audience. She noted that such events not only help showcase Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and traditions but also provide an important platform to raise awareness about the current critical situation inside Tibet.

The exposition features exhibitions and sales by 24 individuals and organisations, offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary Tibetan art forms. The stalls display Thangka paintings, Tibetan calligraphy, stone crafts, books, Buddhist butter sculptures, contemporary Tibetan artworks, Norling handmade products, and other cultural items.

The primary objective of the event is to promote Tibetan arts and crafts among the general public while providing a platform for artists and artisans to showcase their work. The exposition also highlights Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and seeks to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Tibetan art and culture among a broader audience.

The two-day 3rd Tibetan Arts and Crafts Exposition, organised by the Department of Religion and Culture, with funding support from USA State Department.

Dharamshala: The Public Service Commission (PSC) conducted a two-day workshop on the CTA Competency Framework Review, Validation, and Application on 10-11 June 2026, attended by 15 training nodal officers from various departments and autonomous bodies, including 8 male and 7 female participants.

During the opening session, PSC Chairman Karma Yeshi emphasised on the importance of competency in building trust, confidence, and professional capability, noting that competent individuals make fewer errors, deliver higher-quality work, manage risks effectively, work independently, and will be better equipped to address challenges.

He further stated, “Competency boosts confidence and confidence without competency could be dangerous. Hence, it is better to have competency and then be confident is useful. He also encouraged participants to actively discuss the competency framework during the workshop and provide their views and suggestions.”

The workshop was facilitated by Consultant Vivek Sharma, who led the review and validation of the draft competency framework. Through interactive discussions and group activities, participants shared feedback and recommendations to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the framework.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by PSC Secretary Tenzin Legdup, who thanked all participants for their active participation and constructive contributions. He encouraged participants to contact PSC for any further clarification and requested them to continue reviewing the document, share it with their respective offices, and provide additional suggestions to support its finalisation and implementation.

– Report filed by Public Service Commission, CTA

Berlin: Sikyong Penpa Tsering arrived in Berlin on the morning of 11 May 2026 as part of his official visit to Germany. In the afternoon, he met with Hon. MP Thomas Rachel, Chairman of the Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief at the German Bundestag, for a wide-ranging discussion on the current situation inside Tibet, the well-being of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and China’s policies toward Tibetans.

At the outset of the meeting, Sikyong Sharing updates on His Holiness’s health, Sikyong informed the German parliamentarian that he had recently met His Holiness in India following his successful left knee replacement surgery. He noted that despite the surgery, His Holiness remains in good spirits and continues to be committed to serving humanity as long as his physical condition permits. Sikyong further conveyed that His Holiness’s overall health and cognitive abilities have improved considerably in recent months and that he had been meeting hundreds of visitors daily before taking a period of rest for post-surgical recovery.

The discussion then turned to the historical and contemporary situation in Tibet. Sikyong provided an overview of Tibet’s modern history, beginning with China’s invasion of Tibet in 1950 and the subsequent imposition of the so-called 17-Point Agreement under military pressure. He recalled how His Holiness the Dalai Lama sought to work within the framework of the agreement for nearly a decade before being compelled to flee into exile in 1959 due to worsening repression.

Sikyong highlighted the extensive destruction that followed, including the devastation of Tibetan religious and cultural institutions during the Cultural Revolution, the destruction of approximately 6,000 monasteries, and the immense human suffering endured by Tibetans under Chinese rule. He also emphasised Tibet’s historical status as an independent nation with a rich civilisational heritage and a long history extending over two millennia.

Addressing current developments, Sikyong expressed concern over Beijing’s intensified assimilation policies under President Xi Jinping. He explained that restrictions on religious freedom, language rights, education, and cultural expression have become increasingly severe. Tibetan language instruction has been drastically reduced in schools, monasteries are subjected to extensive state control and surveillance, and Tibetan children are increasingly being separated from their cultural roots through state-run boarding school systems.

Sikyong also highlighted the extensive surveillance infrastructure imposed across Tibet, including facial recognition technologies, DNA collection, and digital monitoring systems. He warned that such technologies are increasingly being exported beyond China and pose broader concerns for democratic societies worldwide.

Regarding the issue of the future reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikyong reiterated that the Chinese government’s attempts to control the recognition process through regulations such as Order No. 5 fundamentally contradict Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He stressed that the authority to determine the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama rests solely with His Holiness and the established religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Sikyong also elaborated on the Central Tibetan Administration’s commitment to the Middle Way Approach, which seeks a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict through dialogue and negotiations. He noted that despite decades of repression, Tibetans have remained committed to non-violence, inspired by the leadership and teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Later that evening, Sikyong Penpa Tsering participated in the opening ceremony of the International Uyghur Forum held in Berlin. The event brought together political leaders, parliamentarians, human rights advocates, and representatives of communities affected by Chinese government policies.

Opening remarks were delivered by Turgunjan Alawdun, President of the World Uyghur Congress; Ambassador Dr. Klement Ruey-sheng Gu, Representative of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany; Jiří Oberfalzer, Vice President of the Czech Senate; Yves-François Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Québécois of Canada; Olivier Faure, Member of the French Parliament; Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration; Antoinette Guhl, Senator from France; Mesud Gülbahar, Vice Chair of Hasene; and Dolkun Isa, President of the Uyghur Center for Democracy and Human Rights.

In his address, Sikyong congratulated the organisers and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join the gathering despite his busy schedule following the formation of the new Kashag after his re-election for a second term.

Emphasising the importance of greater coordination among communities affected by Beijing’s policies, Sikyong called for a more strategic and united approach among Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Hong Kongers, and Taiwanese. He observed that while these communities have long engaged in advocacy independently, the time has come to move beyond periodic meetings and develop coordinated strategies to address common challenges.

Sikyong stated that the struggle increasingly reflects a broader global contest between democratic values and authoritarian governance. He stressed that democracies must work together to defend freedom, human rights, and cultural diversity in the face of growing authoritarian influence.

Drawing attention to China’s assimilation policies, Sikyong noted the demographic changes taking place in Tibet, East Turkestan, and Southern Mongolia, as well as the implementation of policies such as the so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress” initiatives, which he said aim to erode the distinct identities, languages, religions, and cultures of non-Han peoples.

He further highlighted the environmental consequences of China’s development policies, particularly in Tibet. Referring to China’s plans to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River, Sikyong cautioned that such projects could have far-reaching environmental and geopolitical implications for downstream countries while causing irreversible ecological damage on the Tibetan Plateau.

Sikyong also warned about China’s export of surveillance technologies and governance models to other countries. He stressed that concerns about China’s policies extend beyond Tibet, Uyghurs, and other affected communities and increasingly involve broader questions about global governance, civil liberties, and democratic values.

Despite these challenges, Sikyong encouraged participants not to lose hope. While acknowledging China’s growing power and influence, he noted that the country also faces significant internal challenges. He urged affected communities to remain vigilant, strengthen cooperation, and prepare strategically for future opportunities that may emerge.

Concluding his remarks, Sikyong expressed optimism about continued collaboration among Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Hong Kongers, Taiwanese, and their international supporters. He wished the International Uyghur Forum a productive and successful gathering and looked forward to further discussions during the following days of the conference.

Thinlay Chukki, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Phuntsok Topgyal, UN Advocacy Officer of the Office of Tibet, and Dundup Donka, President of Tibetan Community of Germany also participated in the International Uyghur Forum. On the sidelines of the event, Sikyong held meetings with various dignitaries and representatives attending the forum.

-Report filed by the Tibet Bureau in Geneva

New Delhi, 12 June 2026: Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospitals, said: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama underwent successful left knee replacement surgery on Monday, 8 June, at in New Delhi.

“Throughout his treatment, His Holiness’s personal medical team and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama remained in close coordination with the administrative and medical staff at Apollo Hospitals. His Holiness is stable and expected to make full recovery. He was discharged on Friday morning, 12 June.

“It has been a great honour for the hospital and the medical team to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We are grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us and privileged to have been able to contribute to His Holiness’s care.”

Dr. Rajesh Malhotra
Senior Consultant
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals
New Delhi

Bangalore: The Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, commenced a three-day orientation programme for Tibetan College students participating in the summer internship programme at Dalai lama Institute for Higher Education, Bangalore. The orientation will run from 11-13 June, preparing students for their upcoming internship placements.

The inaugural session was attended by Dr. Tenzin Pasang, Principal, Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education and Aditya Subramanium, Consultant for the Summer Internship programme.

The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional understanding required for successful internships. During the three-day orientation, participants will receive guidance on workplace ethics, professional communication, career development, and expectations in organisational settings.

Following the completion of the orientation programmes, students will be placed in various firms, organisations and start-up parks where they will undertake internships in different professional fields. The primary goal of the summer internship programme is to help college students bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. By engaging with diverse organisations, students will gain valuable hands-on experience, develop workplace competencies, and broaden their professional network.

A total of 18 Tibetan college students from various colleges across India are participating in the summer Internship programme. The programme is supported by the US Government through Tibet Fund.

-Report Filed by Department of Education, CTA

Dharamshala, 11 June 2026: Secretary Karma Rinchen, who served for more than 30 years in the Department of Security, assumed charge today as the new Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration.

The Department of Information and International Relations held a brief handing-over and taking-over ceremony between the incoming Secretary, Karma Rinchen, and the outgoing Secretary, Karma Choeying. The ceremony was officially witnessed by Secretary Jigme Tsering of the History, Documentation and Interim Placement Section, representing the Kashag.

During the ceremony, the outgoing Secretary formally handed over the Department’s official documents and inventory records to the incoming Secretary and extended his felicitations and best wishes.

Following the successful transfer of responsibilities, both the incoming and outgoing Secretaries were presented with ceremonial scarves by the Department staff. Secretary Karma Choeying subsequently guided Secretary Karma Rinchen through the Department’s various sections, introducing him to the staff and providing an overview of their respective functions and responsibilities.

Brief Biography of Secretary Karma Rinchen

Secretary Karma Rinchen was born on 2 February 1972 to Namgyal Tsering and Tsering Choedon at Choglamsar, Ladakh, into a humble agro-pastoralist family.

He received his primary education up to Class 10 at Tibetan Children’s Village School in Ladakh and completed his secondary education at the Central School for Tibetans in Shimla. He subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Chandigarh University. After graduating in 1994, he joined the Central Tibetan Administration on 9 September 1995 as an Under Secretary in the Department of Security. In addition, he attended a year-long staff training organised by the Public Service Commission (CTA) at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah.

Over the course of 30 years and 9 months in the Department of Security, Secretary Karma Rinchen rose through the ranks from Under Secretary to Secretary. He was promoted to Deputy Secretary on 5 February 1999, and subsequently to Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in 2005 and 2012, respectively. In 2016, he was appointed Acting Secretary to fill a vacant post and was formally promoted to Secretary on 19 May 2017.

He also serves as a member of the Central Tibetan Administration’s Permanent Strategy Committee.

On 6 June 2026, the Kashag Secretariat announced his transfer to the Department of Information and International Relations. He officially assumed charge as Secretary of the Department on 11 June 2026.

Herbertpur: On 10 June 2026 (Wednesday), during the holy month of Saga Dawa according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, the Herbertpur Ghoton Committee successfully organised a large-scale free food and refreshment distribution drive at Herbertpur Bus Stand in celebration of the Year of Compassion.

The initiative aimed to serve local residents and extend heartfelt hospitality to pilgrims undertaking the sacred Char Dham Yatra.

The event was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including Shri Munna Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble MLA; Shrimati Neeru Devi, Chairperson of the Nagar Palika; Shri Surinder Lal, Lakhanwala Village Pradhan; and several local Ward Councillors of the Herbertpur Nagar Palika Parishad.

The drive successfully distributed nutritious food and refreshments to approximately 1,000 individuals. Special attention was given to serving the large number of Yatris (pilgrims) travelling through Herbertpur on their journey to the holy shrines of Yamunotri and Kedarnath.

The main objective of organising this programme was to promote the universal values of love, compassion, and kindness among the public, in keeping with the spirit of the Year of Compassion. The enthusiastic participation of the guests, volunteers, and local residents contributed significantly to the success of the event.

Through this programme, the Tibetan Settlement Officer expresses sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, volunteers, and local community members for their unwavering support. In accordance with the vision and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, may the warmth and compassion generated through this event continue to inspire us to serve others with kindness and dedication.

– Report filed by Tibetan Settlement Office, Herbertpur