Dharamshala, India: The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) has commenced a significant outreach tour across Sikkim and West Bengal to strengthen ties with Tibetan communities and advocate for their rights globally. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and address Tibetans’ challenges in exile.
Location: Jaigaon, Oodlabari, Kalimpong, Ravangla, Gangtok, and Salugara
A Strategic Outreach
The delegation, comprising Parliamentarians Dawa Tsering and Tsering Lhamo, began their journey on April 21, 2025, from Dharamshala, the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration. Their itinerary includes visits to key Tibetan settlements in Jaigaon, Oodlabari, Kalimpong, Ravangla, Gangtok, and Salugara, concluding on May 4, 2025.
These regions are home to vibrant Tibetan communities that have maintained their cultural heritage despite decades in exile. The delegation’s visit aims to engage with these communities, understand their concerns, and reinforce the TPiE’s commitment to their welfare.
Historical Context
Established in 1960, the TPiE serves as the legislative body of the Central Tibetan Administration, representing the interests of Tibetans in exile. It was a significant step towards democratizing the Tibetan movement, initiated under the guidance of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. The Parliament is comprised of 45 members elected from various constituencies, including the three traditional Tibet provinces and the four Tibetan Buddhist schools.
The TPiE’s functions include enacting laws, overseeing the administration’s activities, and liaising with international bodies to garner support for the Tibetan cause.
Engagements in Sikkim and West Bengal
During their visit, the delegation engaged with local leaders and institutions to foster support for Tibetan issues. In Sikkim, they met with Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, who expressed solidarity with the Tibetan cause and emphasized the shared cultural and religious ties between Sikkim and Tibet.
The delegation also visited the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, a premier centre for Tibetan studies. Discussions focused on preserving Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) and the broader Himalayan environment.
Challenges and Advocacy
Tibetan communities in India face challenges such as cultural assimilation, economic hardships, and the need for political representation. The TPiE’s outreach aims to address these issues by strengthening community bonds and advocating for policies that support Tibetan refugees.
Internationally, the Tibetan issue remains a point of contention. Recent events, such as the visit of a U.S. congressional delegation led by Nancy Pelosi to the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, have drawn criticism from China, highlighting the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding Tibet.
Conclusion
The TPiE’s tour of Sikkim and West Bengal is more than a routine visit; it is a reaffirmation of the Tibetan community’s resilience and ongoing struggle for cultural preservation and political recognition. By engaging directly with communities and local leaders, the TPiE reinforces its commitment to the Tibetan people and their aspirations for autonomy and cultural preservation.
