Herbertpur: On 27 September 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) visited Doegu Yougyaling Tibetan Settlement in Herbertpur as part of his ongoing second leg of the official visit to Tibetan Settlements and addressed the Tibetan residents.

During this visit, Sikyong formally toured Herbertpur-based Old Age Home, Tibetan Settlement Office, Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, and the offices of Local Tibetan Assembly, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, local Tibetan Cooperative Society, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress.

After completing his assessment of these sectors, Sikyong addressed the general Tibetan public at a gathering in the community hall.

In his keynote address, Sikyong explained that his goal in visiting each Tibetan settlement twice during his tenure was to gain a clearer understanding of the public’s grievances and address the needs of residents, in line with the 16th Kashag’s principle of equitable justice. He acknowledged his Kashag’s commitment to providing housing and land facilities for Tibetans who have recently come into exile, as well as those living in remote border areas. This effort aims to sustain Tibetan settlements in India, especially in light of the increasing number of Tibetans migrating abroad.

Additionally, Sikyong credited His Holiness the Dalai Lama for establishing a fully functioning democratic system and administration in exile and creating separate Tibetan settlements and schools, which have facilitated the preservation and promotion of Tibetan language and culture.

Before concluding his talk, Sikyong emphasised the importance of Tibetans abiding by the local laws and understanding the local regulations to avoid future legal complications.