The Namgyaling Tibetan Refugee Settlement (alias Lo-tserok) celebrated its 50th Founding Anniversary on 23 July 2023 with the gracious presence of chief guest Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku Ngawang Chokdup, Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office – Kathmandu, and honourable special guest Mohan Singh Lalchan, the Mayor of Garab district (Mustang).

It was also attended by the venerable Abbott of Shang Gaden Ling monastery in Pokhara, Tibetan Settlement Officers in Nepal, local Nepali officials, representatives from various NGOs and institutions, Tibetan residents and others.

The celebration began with an enthronement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait at the venue, followed by a performance of rituals from monks at the event. At the same time, Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku and the incumbent head of Lo-tserok, Settlement Officer Tashi Tsetan from Tashi Palkhiel Tibetan Settlement, made an offering of three shrine objects and mandala to the portrait, along with Lo-tserok Coordinator Tsering Wangdue.

In his address, Mayor Mohan Singh Lalchan emphasised the value of a harmonious relationship and coexistence between Tibetans and the local population while sharing a personal anecdote about how the Tibetan settlement saved his life when he was a child after his mother brought him to the settlement’s medical facility.

Representative Tsepri Lopan Tulku accredited His Holiness the Dalai Lama and older Tibetan generations for the milestone and continuous thriving of Lo-tserok in his talk.

A recorded greeting message from Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was also played during the jubilee.

As a part of the celebration, the attending dignitaries and guests were presented with a thangka of Buddha and a certificate, while the former Lo-tserok settlement officers and related benefactor were presented with a thangka of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a certificate.

The Mustang-based Namgyaling Tibetan Refugee Settlement was established in 1972 with the generous support of Swedish NGO IM and directions from the Department of Home, CTA.