Dharamshala, 3 December 2025: During the Winter Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) held at Tapovan, Dharamshala, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykang, along with members of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, met with Himachal Pradesh Speaker Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Leader of the Opposition Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from both the ruling and opposition parties.

The delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile also observed the ongoing proceedings from the VIP Gallery, where they were warmly welcomed with applause by the House during Zero Hour. This was followed by a luncheon hosted at the Vidhan Sabha. The visit aimed to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two legislative bodies and further encourage continued support and cooperation.

As it is customary for the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to host a lunch reception or high tea in honour of the MLAs during their annual winter session in Dharamshala, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang visited the Vidhan Sabha on 2 December 2025 to meet Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania and extend an invitation for a high tea reception. However, due to the tight scheduling of parliamentary business, the Vidhan Sabha Speaker proposed that they instead join the MLAs for a luncheon at the House and observe the ongoing session.

During their meeting, the Speakers of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile expressed their gratitude to India and its people, especially to Himachal Pradesh and the Himachali community, for their unwavering support to the Tibetan people. They urged for continued support and cooperation, adding, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence and the presence of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, stand as a testament to your longstanding friendship and support, for which we are profoundly grateful.”

Reaffirming their continued support, the Himachali leaders noted that Himachal Pradesh, and particularly Dharamshala, has gained wide international recognition due to the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They emphasized that His Holiness’ message of love and compassion has reached far-flung corners of the world from Dharamshala, attracting visitors and admirers from across the globe.

During their visit Vidhan Sabha yesterday, the Speakers from Tibetan Parliament called on Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh; Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Leader of the Opposition; and Shri Yash Paul Sharma, Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.