Dharamshala — The tenth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile begins in Dharamsala with the Speaker’s announcement of session commencement. The Speaker remarked that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Tibet was driven more by optics than reality, a broader effort by China to project an image of unity and loyalty to the Communist Party, while in fact being a choreographed celebration and calculated performance. The Tibetan Parliament also unanimously adopted a resolution of gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the second day of the session.
The tenth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile commenced in Dharamsala at 9:30 am, on September 10, 2025 at TPiE's hall, Gangkyi, Dharamshala with a statement by the Speaker of the Assembly. The session of the TPiE chaired by speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Kalons (Ministers) and parliamentarians present at the session. The session opened with the Tibetan national anthem.
In his opening address to the session, the speaker emphasised His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s statement affirming the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama during the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference. He also noted the subsequent adoption of a resolution by the Conference in support of His Holiness’s affirmation regarding his reincarnation, asserting that the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognize the next Dalai Lama, not Beijing.
The speaker also highlighted the joint statement issued by France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Estonia and Iceland, which rejected any external interference in the process of reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and affirmed the right of the Tibetan Buddhist community to choose its spiritual leaders without state interference. He also referred to the position of the United Kingdom, expressed by its ambassador to the United Nations at a side event at the United Nations Human Rights Council, which raised concerns about China's interference in the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Regarding the celebrations marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Speaker mentioned the long-life prayer offered to him by the Central Tibetan Administration, as well as related programmes organised around the world in his honour and in commemoration of the Year of Compassion. He also referred to a resolution that will soon be presented to the House to express gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Speaker also pointed out that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Tibet was driven more by optics than reality, a broader effort by China to project an image of unity and loyalty to the Communist Party, while in fact being a choreographed celebration and calculated performance.
In accordance with the ‘Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’, a panel of Chairpersons and an Ad Hoc Committee were appointed.
Next, the official obituaries of Kasur (former minister) Tashi Wangdu, Kasur (former minister) Tsering Dhondup Yangdhar and Chisur (former parliamentarian) Bawa Lungkhar Ngawang Tashi were read out by parliamentarians Tenzin Jigdal, Juchen Kunchok Chodon and Tsering Yangchen respectively. A minute's silence was observed in the house to pay tribute to the individuals mentioned in the official obituaries.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, presented the précis 2024-25 annual report of its main ministry office as well as of institutions under it. The review of the detailed annual report of the Department of Religion and Culture by the Standing Committee was presented by parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel.
Motion for debate on the DoR&C’s précis report and its review by Standing Committee was tabled by parliamentarian Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen and supported by parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, presented the Kashag’s clarification.
Members of Parliament participated in the deliberation on the undertakings of the Department of Religion and Culture, commending the department’s overall performance. In particular, they lauded its successful organization of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference.
In response to questions from the lawmakers, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the current Kalon of the department, provided detailed clarifications on various projects and programs. These included the distribution of books to monasteries and nunneries, scholarships for monks and nuns, undertaking of the Norbulinga Institute of Tibetan Culture, activities of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), and other key initiatives undertaken by the department.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the current Kalon of the Department of Home Affairs (DoH), then presented the DoH's summary report for 2024–25.
On its second day, the 10th session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile unanimously adopted a resolution of gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, expressing profound gratitude to His Holiness for his lifelong leadership, unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause, and global efforts to promote peace, compassion, and cultural preservation.
