Aims and Objectives
The primary aim is to preserve and promote Tibetan religion and culture which has suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of Chinese regime in Tibet.
Other objectives are:
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To plan and implement religious and cultural policies according to advice of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration.
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To promote unity and harmony amongst Tibetan religious schools.
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To give help to the Tibetan monasteries, nunneries, temples, and cultural institutions for preserving and promoting cultural heritage of Tibet.
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To organize and participate in conferences and seminars on religion, culture, and Tibetan studies.
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To liaise with important religious associations of other faiths and with Tibetan and non-Tibetan Buddha Dharma Centers.
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To conduct and sponsor research in the areas of Tibetan and Buddhist studies.
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To oversee and assist to support the traditional monastic curricula in the reestablished Tibetan monasteries, nunneries, and cultural institutions.
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To hold public discourses and teachings for promotion and preservation of unique and rare oral religious transmissions.
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To look after the old, sick, and destitute monks and nuns and those who are in retreat.
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To organize and perform regular and special religious events and activities.
Organizational Structure
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Department of Religion and Culture has three main sections:
Administrative Section: This section is the main body of the department whose function is to manage and maintain the overall function of the department. The account, scholarship, and sponsorship come under the supervision of the Administrative division. Each sub-section has its own special functions and the concerned persons need to report to an Additional Secretary and the Secretary.
Religious Section: This section has a responsibility to organize and implement various religious activities with the aim of preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhism and strengthening better relations among four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon, Jonang Tradition. The prayer section, Book publication section, and Research section come under the Religious section.
Culture Section: This section was established in July 2021 with the approval of Kashag. The main aim of establishing the culture section is to strengthen its activities and programs for the preservation of Tibetan culture and language.
Former Kalons
KALONS
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Sonam Topgyal Shenkha Gyurmey (1959 – 1961)
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Ta Lama Thupten Norsang (1961 – 1964)
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Woesar Gyaltsen Kundeling (1964 – 1975)
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Thupten Nyinchen Phechoe (1976 – 1979)
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Thupten Namgyal Juchen (1979 – 1987)
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Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari (1987 – 1987)
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Lobsang Dhargyal Shewo (1987 – 1989)
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Kelsang Yeshi (1989 – May 1996)
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Tenzin Pelbar Alak (June 1996 – March 1997)
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Kirti Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin (April 1997 – March 1999)
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Kalon Tripa Sonam Topgyal (April 1999 – September 1999)
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Tashi Wangdi September (1999 – September 2001)
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Thupten Lungrig (September 20, 2001 – March 04, 2005)
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Lobsang Nyima (March 5, 2005 – August 14, 2006)
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Ven Tsering Phuntsok (October 07, 2006 – August 07, 2011)
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Pema Chhinjor (September 17, 2011 – May 26, 2016)
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Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok ( June 1, 2016 – May 25, 2021)
Former Secretaries
SECRETARIES
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Ngawang Dhundup Khendrung (1960 – 1963)
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Chogye Trichen Rinpoche (1963 – 1965)
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Ngawang Choesang (1975 – 1979)
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Khamtrul Rinpoche Jamyang Dhundup (1980 – 1985)
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Mr. Kelsang Yeshi (1985 – 1989)
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Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok (December 5, 1989 – December 13, 1993)
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Mr. Lobsang Khedup (January 3, 1994 – July 1, 2000)
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Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok (October 3, 2000 – April 8, 2002)
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Mr. Thupten Tashi Anyetsang (April 9, 2002 – October 13, 2004)
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Tashi Norbu (November 22, 2004 – February 15, 2006)
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Tsering Dhundup Namey Lakhang (February 16, 2006 – August 26, 2008)
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Mr. Lobsang Tsultrim Jeshong (August 28, 2008 – March 31, 2009)
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Mr. Gonpo Phuntsok [On deputation] (April 10, 2009 – September 07, 2009)
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Mr. Gonpo Phuntsok (September 08, 2009 – December 15, 2010)
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Mr. Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa (December 13, 2011 – October 02, 2013)
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Ven. Norbu Dhonden (October 03, 2013 – June 30, 2014)
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Mr. Dhondup Dorjee Gyalling (July 1, 2014 – March 14, 2016)
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Mr. Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi (March 15, 2016 – August 07, 2016)
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Mr. Tenzin Lungtok, Acting Secretary ( August 08, 2016- May 21, 2017)
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Mr. Tenzin Lungtok (May 22, 2017 – January 09, 2020)
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Mr. Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi (February 19, 2020 – August 30, 2021)
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Mrs. Chime Tseyang Lhutritsang (September 01, 2021 – Present)