Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration addressed the inaugural session of the 8th All India Tibet Support Group’s Conference, which commenced earlier this morning, 12 March 2026, at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).
The two-day conference, convened by the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause – India and facilitated by the India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), brought together key advocates and supporters from across the subcontinent. The inaugural programme began with the traditional lighting of butter lamps by the chief guest and other dignitaries. Following the invocation, a minute of silence was observed by the gathered delegates and guests to honour the selfless sacrifices and in solemn remembrance of the Tibetan and Indian martyrs.
The inaugural ceremony began at 9:30 a.m in the presence of the Chief Guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration, and Special Guest, Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari of the Department of Security. Other distinguished guests present at the inauguration of the two-day seminar included the Guest of Honour, Raghubir Singh Bali, Cabinet Minister, HPTDC, Himachal Pradesh.
Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Shri R.K. Khrimey, National Convenor of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause – India; Shri Pankaj Goyal, National General Secretary of the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM); Jigme Jugney, Representative of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi; Shri Anand Kumar, National President of the India-Tibet Friendship Society; Shri Arvind Nicose, Joint Vice-President of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause – India; Shri Tarh Tarak, President of the Arunachal Pradesh Tibet Support Group.
As well as regional and national convenors of the Crore-Group for the Tibet Cause in India, and presidents and general secretaries of regional support groups.
In his introductory remark, Shri R.K. Khrimey opened by expressing profound gratitude for the widespread support and affection received during the gathering. He highlighted the extraordinary significance of the day in Dharamshala, where members were personally blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He urged participants to harness the inspiration from this experience to strengthen their morale and fuel their future efforts. He called for a collective commitment to carry this motivation forward, ensuring that the spirit of the occasion translates into long-term dedication within their respective organisations and regions.
In his concluding remarks, R.K. Khrimey wishes a positive outcome on the two days regarding shared challenges and regional concerns. He stressed that these issues must be met with steady cooperation and welcomed all attendees, thanking them for prioritising this vital assembly despite their demanding schedules.
Continuing the inaugural sessions of the 8th All India Tibet Support Group Conference, Special Guest Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari of the Department of Security, CTA, delivered address reflecting on the evolution of Tibetan democracy and the enduring support of the Indian people. She began by paying tribute to the lifelong dedication of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, emphasising His Holiness’s visionary leadership and the transformative reforms into a robust, modern democracy, ensuring the long-term resilience of the Tibetan movement.”
Turning to the current administration, Kalon Dolma Gyari highlighted the global democratic process where Tibetans in exile elect their leadership every five years. She formally acknowledged Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s recent re-election with over sixty percent of the vote, noting that this mandate brings renewed responsibility and a hope for continuity in the movement’s strategic direction. She further expressed deep appreciation for the “Tenshug” (Long Life Offering) held the previous day, acknowledging the personal blessings His Holiness bestowed upon attendees and thanking those who extended support from afar, specifically mentioning the Chief Ministers of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Reflecting on the historical significance of March, Security Kalon recalled the 1959 National Uprising and the critical circumstances that necessitated His Holiness’s flight to India to ensure the safety of Tibet’s spiritual and political heart. She expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of India for their sixty-seven years of hospitality, which allowed Tibetan refugees to rebuild their lives and culture. Citing the 1959 All India Tibet Convention in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), she reminded the delegates that the resolutions of early Indian leaders remain much relevant today, serving as a foundation for the continued solidarity between the two nations.
She concluded by reaffirming that the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people remain centred on the longevity and safety of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She urged the members of the Tibet Support Groups to maintain the momentum of the 1959 resolutions, ensuring that the legacy of Indian advocacy for Tibet remains a dynamic force in the pursuit of regional stability and human rights.
Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering said the Tibetan leadership bears two major responsibilities – resolving the Sino‑Tibet Conflict and ensuring the welfare of Tibetans in exile. He noted that the Tibetan administration remains a unique fully functioning democratic system in exile, built gradually over more than six decades since the early 1960s under the guidance of His Holiness. The Sikyong added that Tibetans are currently spread across more than 37 locations in India, particularly in Karnataka, as well as several communities in Nepal, making community welfare a key responsibility of the administration.
Speaking on international advocacy, the Sikyong highlighted progress achieved with the United States, where a law was passed recognising the Tibet situation as a conflict that should be resolved in accordance with international law. He said the legislation also acknowledges the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination, consistent with the 1961 resolutions of the United Nations, and rejects China’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times. The law further recognises Tibet in its historical and geographical entirety, including the traditional provinces of Kham and Amdo, rather than limiting it to the present-day Tibet Autonomous Region.
Speaking about community welfare, he explained that Tibetans in exile are spread across more than 36 locations in India, from the Northeast to South India, with the largest number of settlements in state of Karnataka. He added that several Tibetan communities are also located in Nepal, making the welfare and administration of dispersed Tibetan populations a key responsibility of the leadership.
Sikyong also spoke about the question of the future reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, reiterating that the decision rests with the Tibetan people. He said Tibetan communities have expressed their wish for the continuation of the Ganden Phodrang institution, and that the Ganden Phodrang Trust of the Dalai Lama will have the sole authority to recognise the next Dalai Lama. Addressing China’s attempt to control the process through the so-called Golden Urn system introduced during the Qing dynasty, he said historical evidence shows that earlier Dalai Lamas were recognised through traditional Tibetan religious methods long before the 18th century.
Concluding his remarks, Penpa Tsering reaffirmed the statement of His Holiness that he would be reborn in a free world, stressing that the legitimacy of the reincarnation rests with the Tibetan people and that no other country has the authority to interfere.
During his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed deep gratitude to both the Central and State Governments of India for their unwavering support and continued solidarity with the Tibetan people, as well as the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause.
The opening ceremony was coordinated by Master of the Ceremony Shri Pankaj Goyal, Regional Convener, Crore group for Tibetans, and a vote of thanks was addressed by Shri Arvind Nicose, National Co-Convener.
More than 200 participants, including presidents and members of various Tibet Support Groups from across India, have gathered for the conference to discuss and strengthen the Indian grassroots movement for the Tibetan cause.
