Dharamshala: Home Kalon Palden Dhondup, accompanied by Tenzin Dhonsang from the Security Department and Ngawang Choedhen, dealing staff of the Agriculture and Cooperative Division of the Home Department, arrived at Bhubaneswar Airport on 7 November 2026. They were received by Odisha Phuntsokling Settlement Officer Karma Lodoe Sangpo, Chairperson of the 12th Local Tibetan Assembly Sonam Palmo, and Chairperson of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement Pema Wangyal, who welcomed them with khatag scarves.

Later that evening, the Home Kalon was welcomed at the guesthouse of the local agricultural cooperative by representatives of monasteries, the Local Tibetan Assembly, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, the settlement office, the cooperative, local health institutions, Sambhota School and various other governmental and non-governmental organisations.

On 8 November, Home Kalon visited the settlement office, agricultural cooperative, Local Assembly office and Regional Freedom Movement office. He subsequently inaugurated a newly constructed stone memorial at the settlement administration office, dedicated to honouring Tibetan martyrs from all three traditional regions of Tibet. Accompanied by the chairperson and executive members of the Local Ex-Servicemen Association, he paid tribute to the Tibetan soldiers who lost their lives defending India’s borders. Floral offerings were made at the memorial, followed by the singing of the national anthems of India and Tibet.

During his visit, the Home Kalon also met with residents whose houses had sustained roof damage during Cyclone Arnab and visited farmers from the settlement’s first to fifth villages whose crops had been severely affected by the recent storms and heavy rainfall.

Addressing farmers and representatives of the Local Land Committee, Local Tibetan Assembly, Tibetan Freedom Movement, settlement office and agricultural sector at the Local Assembly Hall, Home Kalon expressed concern over the extensive agricultural losses suffered by the community. He encouraged the affected farmers not to lose hope, recalling the words of the ancient Indian scholar Shantideva: “If there is a remedy, what is there to be unhappy about? If there is no remedy, what is the use of being unhappy?”

He urged the farmers to seek compensation and relief through the relevant local administration from the State Government, the District Commissioner’s Office and the Department of Agriculture, in accordance with the 2014 Policy on Providing Facilities to Tibetan Refugees. Emphasising the importance of agriculture as a sustainable source of livelihood and economic activity, he encouraged farmers to remain committed to farming and make greater efforts to strengthen their agricultural enterprises.

He stated that his visit, as a member of the 17th Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration, was also intended to meet and engage with the local Tibetan community.

As part of the visit, the Home Kalon, accompanied by officials from the Security Department, CTS and the Agriculture Division of the Home Department, the settlement officer, agricultural advisor and members of the Local Land Committee, inspected agricultural land in the settlement. The inspection was conducted to assess the feasibility of acquiring land under the Resettlement Project for housing former Tibetan soldiers belonging to the 22 Cadet Unit who currently lack permanent homes. The land being considered comprises fields that some local residents have proposed to donate to the Central Tibetan Relief Committee under the Home Department.

In a separate meeting with Tibetan youth aged 18 and above, Home Kalon encouraged them to cherish the invaluable kindness and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and strive to become responsible Tibetans who contribute meaningfully to the Tibetan community. He emphasised that young people should recognise their responsibility towards their families and the Tibetan cause, making the most of the modern education and opportunities they have received through the benevolence of His Holiness.

He further urged them to develop self-reliance rather than depend on others, pursue independent livelihoods and maintain good physical health by avoiding harmful substances, including drugs.

Highlighting the opportunities available through the Central Tibetan Administration’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES+), he encouraged young people to participate in skill-development and vocational training programmes suited to the needs of the present era. He also advised them to remain informed about the activities of the CTA and actively participate in the annual recruitment opportunities announced by Tibet Corp rather than remain idle in the settlements.

He noted that joining Tibet Corp could provide opportunities for further education and professional development according to individual abilities and qualifications, while also enabling young people to support their families and pursue their personal aspirations.

The meeting concluded with an interactive session in which the youth were given the opportunity to raise questions and receive responses from the Home Kalon.

-Report filed by Department of Home, CTA