Gangtok, Sikkim: Kalon (Minister) Palden Dhondup of the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), conducted an official visit to Tibetan settlements in North Sikkim and West Bengal from 8 to 14 July 2026. The visit was undertaken to review the welfare and administrative conditions of the settlements, assess the implementation of various welfare programmes, and engage directly with local residents to better understand their concerns and needs.
During the week-long tour, the Home Kalon visited the Tibetan communities of Kabi, Manul, Pagong, Chungthang, Mushithang, Dongu, Thangu, and Chaten in North Sikkim. He also paid visits to Guru Kubum Lhakhang, Rumtek Monastery, Sakya Ngor Gompa, Sera Jey Dropheling, and the Old People’s Home near Rongay in Gangtok. The official programme further included visits to the Tibetan communities of Sonada and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal.
On 8 July, the Kalon departed from Gangtok and met members of the Tibetan communities in Kabi and Manul along the way. Upon reaching Pedong, he met residents from Mushithang, Chungthang, and Pagong, where he briefed the gathering on the CTA’s current priorities and initiatives. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing community members to raise questions and share their views.
On 9 July, the Home Kalon travelled through Yumthang to Thangu, where he met local residents as well as Tibetan nomads from Dongu and Lhonag. He addressed the gathering on matters concerning the Tibetan community before engaging in an open question-and-answer session. During the visit, he also inspected a nearby monastery that had recently suffered fire damage and received an update on the challenges facing the monastic community.
Later that evening, the Kalon continued to Chaten, where he met local residents, delivered a public address, and held another interactive session. He returned to Gangtok on 10 July.
On 11 July, the Kalon visited Guru Kubum Lhakhang, Rumtek Monastery, Sakya Ngor Gompa, Sera Jey Dropheling, and the Old People’s Home near Rongay. At each institution, he met with the respective heads to discuss administrative matters, institutional activities, and ongoing initiatives.
On 12 July, the Home Kalon travelled to Sonada, where he inspected the local monastery, Settlement Office, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement office, Cooperative Society office, school, and students’ hostel. In the evening, he met members of the local Tibetan community and delivered an address.
The Kalon then proceeded to Darjeeling, making stops at Phuntsok Ngayab Choekhorling Monastery, Sakya Guru Monastery, and Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, where he held discussions with the administrators of each institution regarding their activities and concerns.
On 13 July, the Kalon visited Phuntsok Pema Chokhorling Monastery, the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement office, and the Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture. He later inaugurated the newly completed Settlement Office building and staff quarters in the presence of local dignitaries and community representatives, and delivered remarks highlighting the importance of strengthening community institutions and public service.
That evening, following a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, the Home Kalon met with members of the Tibetan community and staff of Sambhota Tibetan School, where he concluded the day with an interactive public address.
On 14 July, the Home Kalon concluded his official tour and departed for Kalimpong, marking the successful completion of his visit to the Tibetan settlements in North Sikkim and West Bengal.
– Report filed by Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration
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