A Quest for Permanent Market for Tibetan Sweater Sellers in Delhi

15th November 2016

Mr. Lobsang Phuntsok Pontsang, Director of the Himalayan Cultural Foundation, personally visited the Tibetan shopkeepers affected by the devastating fire at Lal Qila Market, Delhi. He expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, which left Tibetan sweater sellers facing an estimated debt of Rs. 1.20 crore (Rs. 120 million).

In an immediate gesture of support, Mr. Pontsang contributed Rs. 1.4 Lakh towards the reconstruction of the market, and personally committed to petitioning the Indian Government for the establishment of a permanent market for Tibetans in Lal Qila — as well as to help reduce the outstanding debts owed to Indian merchants.

According to reports, the fire broke out at approximately midnight on 7th November 2016. Due to the highly combustible nature of the goods stored in the shops, the entire market — comprising 138 shops — was consumed by the flames. Mr. Pontsang shared his heartfelt reaction to the tragedy: "Wherever Tibetans reside, we are all followers of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We six million Tibetans are one family. We must stand together with unity and dignity in both good times and bad. When the news of this fire reached me, it was a moment of profound sorrow and disappointment."

For more than six decades, Tibetans living in India have sustained their livelihoods by selling sweaters, in accordance with the provisions extended to them by the Indian government. As refugees, this seasonal trade — limited to roughly five months of the year — represents their primary source of income. In light of this, Mr. Pontsang announced his initiative to formally appeal to the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, for the allocation of a permanent market space for Tibetan sellers in Lal Qila. He pledged his unwavering commitment to easing the burden on the Tibetan sweater-selling community and securing a more stable future for them.