Dharamsala: Looking to generate support for Tibetans living in Himachal Pradesh, Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay met on Sunday 6 May with the north Indian state's Chief Minister. In the 45-minute meeting held in the state capital of Shimla, Kalon Tripa also thanked CM Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal for his efforts to clear Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje for his alleged role in the currency seizure case.
Kalon Tripa outlined to the CM problems of rehabilitation and livelihood facing Tibetans living in Shimla and Solan, focusing particularly on those residing near the Shimla bus stand. In response, the Chief Minister assured Kalon Tripa the state government would continue the same support it has offered the Tibetan people over the past 50 years.
Following the meeting with the high-ranking Indian lawmaker, Kalon Tripa addressed the Tibetan community at Yangchen Gatsel Ling settlement in Kusumpti. Speaking on the decision of His Holiness to hand political authority to the Central Tibetan Administration, Kalon Tripa lauded the move, announcing that the Dalai Lama's decision allowed for the complete democratization of Tibet policy, making the Tibetan struggle more sustainable. He credited the support of the Tibetan people for the smooth transition possible, sharing how unity has led to solid work by the CTA under the present Kashag.
Kalon Tripa went on to highlight details of the Kashag's guiding principles: innovation, self-reliance and unity. Addressing the growing international support to restore freedom in Tibet and the 35 self-immolators demand that His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to his homeland, Kalon Tripa told the audience, "As free spokespersons, we have spread their aspirations worldwide to garner strong support from the international community, including prime ministers, former presidents, world parliamentarians and other political leaders of countries like the US and Japan."
The visit also marked the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Central School for Tibetans in Shimla. Kalon Tripa attended the celebrations on 5 and 6 of May, expressing gratitude for the hard work by both Indian and Tibetan teachers throughout the school's history. He added that the Central Tibetan Administration takes pride in seeing CST-Shimla graduates filling prominent posts in both the exile community and the international arena.
Kalon Tripa also addressed Indo-Tibet relations organized by Bharat Tibbat Sayog Manch at the Deputy Commissioner's Office and later spoke with the media. Prominent dignitaries including Mr Suresh Bharadwaj, MLA Shimla, Mr. Tarsim, President of Bharat Tibbat Sayog Manch attended the presentation along with scholars and professors from Himachal Pradesh University.
