The 65th Tibetan Democracy Day was commemorated at the Gyalyum Chenmo Community Hall, Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement, Ravangla, on 2nd September 2025 with a solemn and meaningful program.

The celebration was graced by Shri Wangyal Sherpa, SDM Rabongla, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Bishnu Prasad Sharma, Additional Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, as the Guest of Honour. The program was also attended by Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO) Kalsang Tseten, Speaker of the Local Tibetan Assembly Yangdup la, and the Chairman of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, along with a large gathering of community members.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, followed by the singing of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems and a brief cultural offering.

Thereafter, Settlement Officer Kalsang Tseten read out the statement of the Kashag in English, considering that the distinguished guests do not understand Tibetan. The statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was then read in Tibetan by the Speaker of the Local Assembly.

In his address, Settlement Officer Kalsang Tseten conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim and the Government of India for their continued support to the Tibetan settlement in Ravangla. He further appealed to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour to continue extending their support to the Tibetan cause and specifically requested the implementation of the 2014 Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in the state of Sikkim.

Both Chief Guest Shri Wangyal Sherpa and Guest of Honour Shri Bishnu Prasad Sharma delivered addresses highlighting the significance of the day and reflecting upon the unique democratic system gifted to the Tibetan people by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The program concluded successfully with the active participation of the community and the gracious presence of the dignitaries. The Kunphenling Settlement Office extends its deep appreciation to all guests and participants who contributed to the successful commemoration of the 65th Tibetan Democracy Day.

Report by:

Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement Office