Mundgod: Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture (CTA) visited the Ganden Tri-thog Khang, the official residence of Ganden Tripa, on 22 August to make long-life offerings to Kyabje Ganden Tri Rinpoche as well as Kyabje Sharpa Choeje and Jangtse Choeje Rinpoches. The Kalon also received private audiences with the Ganden Tripa and the Sharpa Choeje and Jangtse Choeje Rinpoches before proceeding to visit the Primary and Senior Secondary Sambhota Tibetan schools in the settlement. 

At 7:45 a.m., prior to the commencement of the long-life ceremony, the Kalon received and audience with Kyabje Jangtse Choeje Rinpoche at Gaden Monastery. The long-life offering ceremony began at 8:00 a.m., during which the Kalon presented mandala offerings to the three heads of Gelugpa. The ceremony was attended by the abbots of the major Gelugpa monasteries, and the Secretary of Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Yangten Rinpoche, who is also the new Chant Master of Gyuto Monastery.

Following the ceremony, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi received an audiences with Kyabje Ganden Tri Rinpoche and Sharpa Choeje. During the audiences, he sought the Rinpoches’ prayers and blessings for the success of the newly formed Kashag and the long lives of His Holiness and other revered spiritual leaders.

The Kalon also briefed the Rinpoches on the commitments of the 17th Kashag and highlighted key initiatives of the Department of Religion and Culture, including the launch of Neykor App and Digital Library project.

Following the religious engagements, the Kalon visited the settlement’s Sambhota Tibetan Primary school, where he inaugurated an exhibition featuring the biographies of successive Dalai Lamas.

The Kalon then proceeded to the Sambhota Senior Secondary school, where teachers, staff, and students welcomed him with a musical procession and reception. Addressing the school community, the Kalon encouraged students to pursue their studies diligently, with particular emphasis on preserving and excelling in Tibetan language and culture. He also urged them to prioritise their health and uphold the values, traditions, and good conduct inherited from their ancestors.

Emphasising the important role of teachers as role models, he advised them to maintain high standards of moral conduct, noting that students look to their teachers for guidance and example. The Kalon subsequently visited the school’s classrooms and library.

The visit marked the successful conclusion of Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi’s official engagements in the Mundgod Doeguling Tibetan Settlement.