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16th Kashag members granted audience with Dalai Lama

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HH the Dalai Lama with new Kalons of 16th cabinet led by Penpa Tsering (Photo/OHHDL)

By Choekyi Lhamo

DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 19: The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader gave a special, virtual audience to the newly appointed 16th Kashag (cabinet) members on Friday along with the CTA President Penpa Tsering. The hour-long meeting between the leaders of the Dharamshala-based Tibetan government-in-exile and His Holiness was a courtesy exchange where Kalon Tharlam Dolma, Gyari Dolma and Norzin Dolma exchanged greetings with the Tibetan spiritual leader.

The 86-year-old leader spoke to the officials about the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and culture, and the need to build an altruistic society based on mortal virtues including compassion and warm-heartedness. “I try to make a concerted effort to promote peace in the world drawing from the wisdom of ancient Indian knowledge and it is important that everyone also follows suit,” he told the Sikyong and his three cabinet members.

The departmental heads of Education, Security, and Information & International relations briefly apprised him of the “respective portfolios and future endeavors” of the 16th Kashag. The CTA President expressed his faith and gratitude to the Dalai Lama and reiterated his cabinet’s steadfast commitment to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict, with the vision and guidance laid out by His Holiness. This is Sikyong’s fourth meeting with His Holiness after he resumed office in May, whereas it is the first meeting of women cabinet members who were appointed earlier this month.  

For the first time, three women have been appointed together in the same cabinet of a particular Kashag under the exile government known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration. All three members have previously served the government-in-exile in various fields, and have acquired expertise in the field of education, diplomacy and international advocacy. Kalon Tharlam Dolma has been former principles of CST schools of Bylakuppe and Mundgod, Kalon Gyari Dolma has served as head of Department of Home during 14th Kashag, and Kalon Norzin Dolma has previously worked in the post of researcher at TCHRD and DIIR. 

2 Responses

  1. His Holiness did not urge the leaders to take political actions but did urge them to take actions to preserve and promote Tibetan culture, religion and language during their five year term.

  2. Best wishes to Sikyong Pempa Tshering la and his Kashag Team to lead us in the next 5 years. We are behind you in all the activities that you take up for the sake of Tibet.

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