Dharamshala: The newly elected Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture (DoRC), Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, officially assumed office and began his first working day on 4 June 2026. Upon his arrival at the department, he was warmly received by the Secretary and staff members of DoRC.

In keeping with Tibetan tradition, the departmental staff accorded the Kalon a ceremonial welcome, offering traditional khataks and extending their best wishes for a successful tenure.

Following the reception, the Kalon held meetings with senior officials and staff members, during which he was briefed on ongoing programmes, key priorities, and administrative matters. The meetings provided an opportunity for him to familiarize himself with the department’s functions and engage with personnel responsible for implementing its various initiatives.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the department’s staff in serving the Tibetan community. He reaffirmed his commitment to carrying out his responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and a spirit of service, while working collaboratively to advance the policies and objectives of the Central Tibetan Administration.

On 5 June, representatives from DoRC-affiliated monasteries, nunneries, and cultural institutions in Dharamshala gathered at the DoRC Hall to extend their greetings to the newly appointed Kalon. During the ceremony, the representatives offered khataks and conveyed their heartfelt wishes for a successful and productive tenure.

Brief Bio of Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi 

Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi was born on 2 February 1966 in Phari Chukya to Dranyi Pegyal and Yangkyi.

He completed Class 12 at CST Darjeeling in 1989 and subsequently pursued higher education at Darjeeling Government College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. During his college years, he also completed a ten-month English typewriting course.

While studying in Class 11 at CST Darjeeling, he received a Certificate of Merit from the Department of Education in recognition of his academic achievements. He also served as Boys’ Captain and represented the school’s local youth group.

He began his public service career in the Department of Education, where he served from 10 October 1991 to 30 September 1993. In 1993, he passed the competitive recruitment examination and was appointed to the Civil Service as an Under Secretary, subsequently being assigned to the Department of Health.

In 1997, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Secretary and continued his service in the same department. In 2000, he was transferred and appointed as Head of the Dalhousie Factory-cum-Settlement Officer. Subsequently, he was promoted to Joint Secretary in 2002 and transferred to the Department of Home. In 2004, he was transferred to the Department of Health and was appointed Director of the Ngoenga School for Tibetan Children with Special Needs in Dehradun.

In recognition of his exemplary service, he received the CTA’s Staff Excellence Awards in the Administration Category for the 2009–2010 fiscal year on 6 July 2009.

In 2010, he was promoted to the Additional Secretary and transferred to the Department of Health, where he was promoted to Secretary on 13 October 2014.

In 2016, he was transferred as Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture. He returned to the Department of Health as Secretary later that year.

On 8 April 2019, he was transferred to the Kashag Secretariat as its Secretary and from 3 February 2020, he simultaneously served as Secretary of both Kashag and Department of Religion and Culture.

On 3 August 2021, he relinquished his responsibilities as Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture and continued serving as Secretary of the Kashag. In addition, he has chaired eleven committees, including the Central Ghoton Organising Committee and Staff Transfer and Placement Committee.

He has completed a total of 35 years of public service at the Central Tibetan Administration until his appointment as the Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture of the 17th Kashag.