By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, November 25: As the abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it is important to have a good understanding amongst all the Tibetan and Indian organizations for a holistic growth of the place, said Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer, Dawa Rinchen, during the first Dharamshala Tibetan Local Leader’s Conference today in Gangchen Kyishong.
Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO), deems such conference important since it is not just about activities of individual organizations but the welfare of the place as a whole, which is also the seat of Tibetan government in exile. “It is important to have a combine effort from every section of the community to successful run the affairs of the place. For everyone to pool in, we need to congregate. Hence we aim to provide that platform through this conference,” Rinchen said.
Over 60 organizations and associations participated in the day-long program, which discussed various issues such as implementation of three commitments of the Dalai Lama; improvement of relationship with local residents, security, maintaining law; safe guarding the town’s environment, among others.
“It is true that every organizations conduct their affairs very well. However, it will definitely be more fruitful if the leaders of every organization share their workings with other organizations,” said Education Minister Kalon Ngodup Tsering, who attended as the chief guest in lieu of Tibetan PM Dr. Lobsang Sangay.
The minister thanked the Tibet support groups like Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association and Himalaya Parivar, who were honored with an award as acknowledgment for their continuous support towards Tibetan cause over the years. Men-Tsee Khang, Delek Hospital, Tibet Charity, Dr. Yeshi Donden, Lha and Clean Upper Dharamshala were honored for their community service.
Dharamshala with an estimated population of around 20,000 Tibetans is the largest scattered Tibetan settlement.
