Dharamshala: Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture, Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, concluded his third day official engagements at Tibetan settlements in Dehradun following a visit to Dhondupling Tibetan Settlement in Clement Town.

The Kalon first visited Tashi Kyil Monastery, where he was received by the Secretary of the settlement, Chair and Vice-Chair of the settlement’s representatives. He inspected the monastery’s assembly hall and classrooms.

The Kalon subsequently visited Pal Dechen Chokhorling Monastery and Mindroling Monastery, including its shedra (monastic college) and library. He also paid obeisance at the reliquary stupa located in the chamber of the late Kyabje Mindroling Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche.

During his visits to monasteries under Dhondupling Settlement, the Kalon met with senior monastic officials and held discussions on matters concerning the recent revisions to FCRA regulations introduced by the Government of India. He also stressed the importance of obtaining parental consent when admitting new children to monastic institutions in order to avoid potential difficulties.

The Kalon introduced the Department of Religion and Culture’s key ongoing initiatives, including the Neykor App and the Tibetan digital library initiative.

At the settlement’s community hall, the Kalon addressed the general public and presented an overview of the work and position of the 17th Kashag. He outlined several key priorities of the Kashag. He also highlighted that the administration does not interfere in the affairs of non-governmental organisations and respects their independence.

He further stated that the work of the Kashag remains grounded in the rule of law and is carried out without discrimination on the basis of religious tradition or region. He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Government of India on the security of His Holiness and continuing to seek international support for the recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, noting the support already received from the United States and 38 other countries.

The Kalon reiterated the Department of Religion and Culture’s key initiatives, particularly the Neykor App and Tibetan digital library project. He also emphasised the importance of preserving the Tibetan language, particularly in light of recent restrictions imposed in Tibet on the use of the Tibetan language after the enactment of assimilative “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law”. He implored Tibetans living in free countries to make sustained efforts to preserve their language and encouraged parents to ensure that their children diligently learn the Tibetan language and script.

The Kalon later visited home of an underprivileged elderly resident in the settlement’s first camp to inspect the situation and Dro-dhonling Lhakhang before concluding his official engagements in the region.