Dharamshala: On 12 January 2026, Shri Rajeev Bhardwaj, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Kangra, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. He was accompanied by Shri Sachin Sharma, BJP District President; Shri Sanjay Sharma, BJP State Spokesperson; Shri Vishav Chakshu, BJP State Media Coordinator; and Shri Onkar Singh Nehria, Former Deputy Mayor.

The delegation held a meeting with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and members of the Standing Committee. Also accompanying the Member of Parliament were his Personal Secretary, Shri Mohit Singh, and security officers Shri Abhishek and Shri Ajay.

Welcoming the delegation, the Speaker briefed the visiting guests on the Tibetan Parliament’s recently concluded initiatives in Delhi, which included Tibet advocacy programs, the celebration of the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama organized by the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT), and an Inter-Faith Prayer Meet held at Raj Ghat to commemorate the Year of Compassion. He also noted that the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s delegation had the opportunity to engage with Shri Rajeev Bhardwaj and more than 40 Indian lawmakers, including one Cabinet Minister and three Ministers of State (MoS), during the advocacy initiative in Delhi.

The Speaker further expressed his deep gratitude to India and its people for their long-standing support for the Tibetan cause, with special appreciation for the government and people of Himachal Pradesh for hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala. He noted that, under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan cause has garnered growing international support and recognition, and that the preservation of Tibetan culture, religion, and language has been made possible largely due to India’s continued support.

Shri Rajeev Bhardwaj expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him, noting that it fostered a sense of kinship. He stated that it was a meaningful opportunity, as the Member of Parliament from Kangra, to visit the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), particularly the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The Kangra MP further remarked that he considers himself fortunate that His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides in his constituency and that the CTA is based in Dharamshala.

He also noted that, as a lawmaker, he has consistently taken every opportunity in Parliament to raise issues concerning his constituency, during which he always highlights the invaluable contribution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to tourism in the region. Quoting his words, he said, “The ocean of wisdom resides in my constituency,” and added that he expresses his deep gratitude for this blessing. The MP concluded his remarks by assuring his continued support for the Tibetan cause.

Deputy Speaker Teykhang welcomed the delegates on behalf of Tibetans across the world and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE), highlighting the unique nature of the institution, one that has no territorial jurisdiction, yet whose representatives are democratically elected by Tibetans worldwide to advance the Tibetan struggle and preserve Tibetan identity. She further shared a poignant contradiction she observed during the 56th Tibetan Democracy Day: while the Tibetan diaspora celebrated the democracy bestowed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetans inside Tibet continued to endure severe repression under CCP occupation, where injustice is masked as development. She applauded the unwavering spirit of Tibetans inside Tibet for steadfastly adhering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s guidance of non-violence despite the CCP’s ongoing atrocities.

Emphasizing that India’s support is fundamental to the Tibetan cause, she noted that Tibetan identity and the Tibetan struggle are deeply intertwined with India. She also highlighted Tibet’s significance to India in terms of national security, environmental protection, and cultural heritage. Expressing profound gratitude, she thanked India, through the visiting delegates, for its long-standing support to Tibet and the Tibetan people, and urged the Member of Parliament to raise the issue of Tibet in the Indian Parliament.

The visiting guests were then taken on a tour of the parliament hall, followed by visits to the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA), and the Tibet Museum.