Herberpur: On the morning of 26 September 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited Puruwala Tibetan Settlement to assess the damages caused by heavy rainfall that disconnected several roads.

Following this, Sikyong visited the Tibetan Children’s Village School (TCV) in Selakui and its affiliate, the Tibetan Private Industrial Training Institute (ITI), in Dehradun.

Upon arrival, Sikyong was accorded a warm welcomed by school’s teachers and students, including Tsultrim Kelsang, the Principal of the Tibetan Children’s Village School, Selakui, and Tenzin Choesang, the Director of ITI.

At a gathering later that day, Sikyong addressed the students and staff members, stressing that Tibetans outside Tibet have a special responsibility to uphold the unique Tibetan identity and maintain the rich Tibetan cultural heritage as the Communist Party of China’s intensified suppressions inside Tibet by enforcing strict regulations. While sharing insights on Tibetan history, Sikyong advised students to go through ancient histories of Tibet to properly comprehend the facts amidst China’s increasing distortion of Tibet’s past.

Furthermore, Sikyong provided an overview of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, noting that since 2010, there has been no communication between the two sides. However, Sikyong disclosed the existence of a back-channel communication, over which he opined his pessimism for its effectiveness. Therefore, Sikyong emphasised that Tibetans must explore every opportunity that the current domestic and international political situations of the PRC offer.

Additionally, the exile Tibetan political leader spoke about the geopolitical significance of the Tibetan plateau and China’s mismanagement of Tibet’s water resources, which feed billions of downstream residents. Thereafter, Sikyong and his aides toured the school and training centre’s premises.

After concluding his official visit to TCV Selakui, Sikyong visited Khera Camp Tibetan Settlement and Baluwala Tibetan Settlement later that afternoon. At Khera Camp, Sikyong made obeisance inside Gongkar Choede monastery.

Sikyong’s day-long engagements ended at Herbertpur Tibetan Settlement, where he was extended a welcome reception by Settlement officer Dolma Tsering, the President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Tenzin Sungrab, and the President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Thupten Gyaltsen.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering was accompanied by Additional Secretary Tashi Dickey from the Department of Home, Pema Youdon from the Department of Health, and Thupten Rinzin from SARD.