Dharamshala: Penpa Tsering on Thursday was sworn in here as the new Sikyong (President) of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Sonam Norbu Dagpo, the Chief Justice Commissioner of central administration of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile administered the oath at a small function her.
The Dalai Lama virtually graced the swearing-in ceremony.
After the ceremony, Penpa Tsering took charge of Sikyong (political leader) of central Tibetan administration of the Tibetan government-in-exile with its headquarters in Dharamsala, north India.
On the occasion, Penpa Tsering is his message said, “We are very fortunate to be blessed by the virtual presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the inaugural function this morning. It is of utmost importance that all of us Tibetans abide by the guidance of His Holiness and the Executive will make every effort to make sure that we follow and act in accordance with the path shown by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I extend my good wishes to all my Tibetan brothers and sisters inside and outside Tibet, and all freedom and truth-loving Tibet supporters. I also take this opportunity to thank Hon. Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the US Congress, the State Department, Taiwan Foreign Minister, Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, Tibet Support Groups, organizations and individuals for the numerous heart-warming congratulatory letters we received from around the world.”
The main responsibility of the Kashag ((Cabinet)) is to seek relief from the critical challenges being faced by the endangered Tibet and the suffering of the Tibetan people. “We shall resolutely tread the path of Middle Way espoused by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” said Penpa.
He added, “general population in and outside Tibet unanimously approve the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Based on this, we will reach out to the Chinese government to find a mutually beneficial, negotiated, non-violent solution to the Sino-Tibet conflict. We hope that this, in turn, shall set a good example in resolving conflicts around the world.”
“To conclude, I take this opportunity to thank all freedom-loving governments, parliaments and Tibet supporters around the world and in particular, India and the United States for their love and support for Tibet and the Tibetan people till now. Your support is a source of inspiration for all of us in Tibet and in exile. Therefore, I appeal to you to continue to support us till a lasting solution is found,” added new Sikyong.
Penpa Tsering (born 1967) is a Tibetan politician. He is the second democratically elected Sikyong (President) of the 17th Parliament-in-Exile of the Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan government-in-exile). As President-elect, he succeeded the current Lobsang Sangay. Penpa Tsering was the speaker of the Parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan Parliament in Exile) for two terms between 2008 and 2016. Penpa was runner-up in the Sikyong election in 2016. He announced his candidacy for the 2021 election on 3 September 2020. During the 2021 CTA general election, Penpa secured 34,324 votes, 5,417 more than Kaydor Aukatsang (Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang) who secured the second-highest votes.
Penpa has spoken about “resolving the issue of Tibet”, “taking care of the welfare of Tibetans in exile”, and pursuing “all possible ways to communicate with China.” “facilitate(ing) a visit of the Dalai Lama to China,” and advocating for the release of “Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and all other political prisoners”
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
