Bavaria, Germany: Kalon (Minister) Tharlam Dolma Changra of the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), began her official visit to Germany on 1 October 2025. The visit will continue until 13 October, after which she will return to India. Upon her arrival at a German airport, members and sponsors of the Initiative Oberland extended a warm welcome.
On 4 October, Kalon Tharlam Dolma held a meeting in Mittenwald, Bavaria, with members and supporters of the Initiative Oberland. During her address, she highlighted China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, the hardships endured by Tibetans during their early years in exile, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments. She further elaborated on the establishment of the Central Tibetan Administration with the support of the Indian government, and how Tibetan settlements, schools, and monasteries were founded and sustained over the decades. She also drew attention to the ongoing critical situation inside Tibet and other issues affecting Tibetans.
On 6 October, the Education Kalon met with representatives from Caritas Internationalis and the Rotary Club Garmisch-Partenkirchen. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Rotary Club for its support of the Old-age People’s Home in Mundgod Doeguling Tibetan Settlement and for providing intensive care and solar power facilities at the settlement’s Primary Health Care Centre. She also acknowledged the contributions of Initiative Oberland in expanding the Mundgod Sambhota Primary School and improving its surrounding infrastructure.
Given the international presence at this meeting, Kalon Tharlam Dolma took the opportunity to provide a detailed account of the general situation in Tibet, with a particular focus on the forced enrollment of young Tibetans into colonial-style boarding schools run by the Chinese government. She emphasised that these schools are part of a broader effort to systematically eradicate the unique Tibetan identity through the cultural assimilation of younger generations. The attendees expressed deep concern and affirmed their continued support for the Tibetan cause.
On 7 October, the Education Kalon visited the Benedictine Ettal Abbey in Bavaria, where she met with members of its educational institution. Discussions centered around the unique resilience of the Tibetan exile community, which has flourished under the visionary leadership and compassionate guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She further explained how the Tibetan settlements and schools are successfully established in exile during the formative years while also delving into the importance of SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) in fostering moral values and discipline among students.
Until 12 October, Kalon Tharlam Dolma is scheduled to deliver presentations and hold meetings at various schools and educational institutions in the region. She will also meet with members of the Tibetan community residing in Munich and make an assessment visit to the weekend Tibetan language and cultural school.
On 13 October, the Education Kalon will depart Germany for Delhi and is expected to return to Dharamshala on 14 October.
