Dharamshala: On 24 May 2025, as part of his ongoing official visit, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) visited Calgary, Canada, where he was warmly welcomed by members of the Tibetan community and representatives of the Tibetan Association of Alberta (TAA).
In the afternoon, Sikyong convened a separate session with Tibetan youth. Afterwards, he visited the local Tibetan Chorten (Stupa) and offered prayers. Later in the evening, the main public program was held at the Slovakia Club. The event began with a cultural performance of Tashi Shölpa, followed by the singing of Tibetan and Canadian national anthems and a group song presentation by students of Gangchen Rigney School.
The President of the TAA delivered the opening remarks and presented certificates of appreciation to former executive members. This was followed by introductory remarks from Dr Namgyal Choedup, Representative of the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, who outlined the objectives of Sikyong’s visit.
In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering spoke on the current political situation concerning Tibet, the CTA’s ongoing engagements with international stakeholders, and the need for unity within the Tibetan diaspora. Emphasising the importance of youth empowerment and active community participation, he urged Tibetans in Canada to remain committed to preserving their cultural identity and supporting the Tibetan cause.
Sikyong noted that Tibetans have distinguished themselves from other refugee communities through their resilience and collective spirit. Sikyong remarked that the Tibetan cause has remained visible on the international stage largely due to the unwavering commitment of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the enduring courage of Tibetans inside Tibet.
He reaffirmed the Kashag’s firm commitment to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict through dialogue based on the Middle Way Approach, a policy framework envisioned by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and endorsed by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Sikyong further underlined the teachings and guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, particularly highlighting His Holiness’s Four Principal Commitments—promotion of human values, promotion of religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture and environment, and revival of ancient Indian knowledge. He encouraged the Tibetan community to internalise these values in their personal and collective lives.
Speaking on the forthcoming celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, Sikyong stressed the significance of this historic milestone for Tibetans. He noted that the celebration is not only a moment of gratitude but also an opportunity to reflect on His Holiness’s lifetime of commitment to nonviolence, compassion, and global ethics.
Sikyong also highlighted His Holiness’s advocacy for Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning, an educational framework rooted in compassion, emotional intelligence, and ethical engagement. He emphasised that His Holiness has long envisioned education as a transformative tool for creating a more peaceful and ethical world, championed since the late 1990s. “It is through such education that we nurture compassionate global citizens,” said Sikyong.
Reflecting on the literary works of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, he encouraged the community, especially the youth, to read “My Land and My People”, His Holiness’s first autobiography published in 1962, which offers profound account of Tibet’s history, its struggle and the deep spiritual connection Tibetans share with their homeland.
Sikyong also referred to His Holiness’s recent book, “The Voice of the Voiceless”, noting how it continues to echo the hopes of the Tibetan people and His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to truth and justice. He reiterated the importance of understanding Tibetan history, culture, and the political journey that continues to shape the identity and resilience of Tibetans in exile.
During his address to the Tibetan community in Canada, Sikyong Penpa Tsering emphasised the importance of the Green Book, issued by the Department of Finance of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). He explained that the Green Book not only affirms an individual’s Tibetan identity in exile but also symbolises the collective recognition of the CTA as the sole legitimate representative of the Tibetan people.
Highlighting its significance, Sikyong noted that the Green Book allows Tibetans to actively participate in the Tibetan freedom movement through annual voluntary contributions. These contributions, he said, play a vital role in generating revenue to support the CTA’s ongoing administrative and community welfare initiatives, as laid out in its financial regulations.
The visit wrapped up with a community gathering, during which members of the Tibetan diaspora expressed their appreciation, followed by a formal vote of thanks from the Tibetan Association of Alberta.
