Mandi: As part of the year-long celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday as the Year of Compassion, the Mandi Ghoton Committee organised a humanitarian initiative by donating one month’s dry ration and providing essential kitchen aid to two charitable old age homes in Mandi district.

On 29 January 2026, the Mandi Ghoton Committee, under the initiative of Settlement Officer Jamyang Dolma, visited two charitable old age homes in Mandi to assess their needs through direct interaction with the respective in-charges and management.

The first visit was to Aarogya Jan Kalyan Samiti Old Age Home, Gutkar, Mandi, founded in 2023. The home provides shelter, medication, and a life of dignity to abandoned and landless senior citizens from across the Mandi region. Currently, the home accommodates ten elderly residents (five women and five men), all above the age of 60. In response to their needs, the Mandi Ghoton Committee donated one month’s dry ration. The Chairperson, Princi Guleria and Secretary, Prithvi Raj, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the committee for the generous support.

The second visit was to the Balh Valley Kalyan Sabha Old Age Home, Bhangrotu, Mandi, established in 1987. The home provides care and support to twenty senior citizens (ten women and ten men), all above 60 years of age. During the visit, the manager, Gyanshyam Thakur requested a four-burner gas stove, citing the need for improved cooking facilities to prepare meals for a large number of residents. Responding to this request, the Settlement Officer donated a four-burner gas stove on behalf of the committee. Thakur conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Mandi Ghoton Committee for their thoughtful and generous contribution.

Through this initiative, the Mandi Ghoton Committee reaffirmed its dedication to serving the elderly and upholding the values of kindness, care and compassion envisioned during the Year of Compassion.

-Report filed by Tibetan Settlement Office, Mandi