DHARAMSHALA, June 14: Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay today emphasised on the need to overcome attempts by hostile forces aimed at undermining the unity of the Tibetan people.

“Following the major political changes in our system, outside hostile forces are trying to destabilise our society,” Dr Sangay said. “We must, at all times, remain alert and overcome such challenges.”

Kalon Tripa was speaking at the 8th annual conference of the Tibetan Settlement Officers in Dharamshala, organised by the Department of Home under the Central Tibetan Administration. 41 settlement officers and 3 coordinators representing Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal are attending the four-day meeting which began today.

Dr Sangay called on exile Tibetans to be worthy of the confidence that His Holiness the Dalai Lama placed in them by devolving all his political authorities to the democratically elected leadership.

“The world, especially China, is keenly observing us. With our hard work and unity, we must prove to the world, including China, that we are capable of fulfilling the visions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

The 43-year old de facto Prime Minister pressed for concerted efforts in building sustainable Tibetan settlements, devoid of any “dependency syndrome.”

“Our dependency syndrome is eating away the determination and creativity of our present and future generations,” Kalon Tripa told the settlement officers. “In the long-term interest of our struggle, we have to become self-reliant and our settlements must be self-sustaining.”

Dr Sangay also urged Tibetans to hold grand celebrations on the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday next month.

“We are not asking Tibetans to hold extravagant parties. On His Holiness’ birthday, we are calling on Tibetans to celebrate the vision of our leader and also the international honours bestowed on him, including the 2012 Templeton Prize.”

Tibetan minister for Home, Gyari Dolma, Health Minister Tsering Wangchuk and Information and International Relations Minister Dicki Chhoyang also addressed the meeting.

An official at the Home Department said the settlement officers will discuss ways to sustain the Tibetan community in exile, make Tibetan settlements self-reliant, formulate all-round sustainable development projects, and promote harmonious relationship with the Indian community.