DHARAMSHALA, August 4: Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay concluded his tour of the Tibetan settlements in south India with a meeting with the chief minister of Karnataka state Jagadish Shettar today.

The de facto Tibetan prime minister was received by CM Shettar at his office in Bangalore.

According to the Central Tibetan Administration, the chief minister pledged to provide continuous support to the Tibetans living in the state. Karnataka hosts four of the largest Tibetan settlements in India.

Dr Sangay expressed his deep gratitude to the people and government of Karnataka for their support and hospitality for the last more than 50 years.

The Tibetan leader appraised the chief minister on problems being faced by Tibetans in the settlements and also raised many pivotal issues.

Dr Sangay requested financial help for development of roads in the Tibetan settlement of Hunsur, took up the issuance of uniform Revenue Transfer Certificates to the Tibetan settlements, and appealed the state government to allocate two reserved MBBS seats for Tibetan students.

According to CTA, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said he would “look into the proposals and provide best possible support for Tibetans living in the state.”

Earlier in the day, Dr Sangay visited St Joseph’s college and spoke on Democracy in Exile to over 500 students and staff.

Before arriving into Bangalore, Kalon Tripa was in Doeguling Tibetan settlement of Mundgod after visiting the Tibetan settlements of Hunsur and Bylakuppe.

He met with students and staff of the Central School for Tibetans, Mundgod and also addressed a congregation of monks during his visit to Drepung Monastery.

Dr Sangay, who is just days away form commemorating his first year in office, also visited organic farmlands and met with elderly people at the local old age home.

He will be returning back to the exile headquarters of Dharamshala tomorrow.

Katri Dr Sangay earlier called on Tibetans and supporters worldwide to organise a global solidarity vigil for Tibet on August 8, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of his inauguration.

“This international vigil will remember those Tibetans who have given up their lives for Tibet and show solidarity with every Tibetan in Tibet who continues to suffer oppression under Chinese rule,” Dr Sangay had said in a statement.