Bangalore: As part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Chief Representative Officer (CRO) South Zone, in collaboration with Drepung Gomang Monastery, organised a vibrant cultural exchange programme at the DJB Hall of Mount Carmel, Deemed to be University.
The delegation, led by Chief Representative Officer Jigme Tsultrim, was warmly received by Dr. Rohini, Director; Dr. George Lekha, Principal; Prof. Alice Mathew, Head of the Department of Political Science; Assistant Professors Rimpi, Priyanka and Durga; and Dr. George Dimitriv, all from the Department of Political Science. The event was also attended by distinguished faculty members, including Dr. Lakshmi, Dean of the Science Department, and Dr. Kavita Singh, Dean of Research, whose presence enriched the programme.
The distinguished speakers included Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Gyaltsen of Drepung Gomang Monastery, Shreeraj Gudi, Assistant Professor at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and Tenzin Thakpo, Sustainability Officer, who shared insightful perspectives with the students.
The programme centred on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Four Principal Commitments—promoting human values, fostering interfaith harmony, preserving Tibetan culture, protecting the environment, and reviving the ancient Nalanda tradition of wisdom and scientific thought.
Khensur Rinpoche spoke on the enduring relevance of these commitments, encouraging students to cultivate compassion, empathy and a sense of responsibility in their daily lives. He emphasised that His Holiness’s vision continues to inspire younger generations to contribute towards building a more peaceful and compassionate society.
Assistant Professor Shreeraj Gudi delivered an engaging talk on the richness of Tibetan culture and its deep historical roots. He highlighted the valuable lessons India can draw from Tibet’s spiritual traditions and the resilience of the Tibetan people, stressing that cultural exchange and mutual respect play an important role in strengthening ties between communities.
Tenzin Thakpo addressed the students on the urgent need to integrate sustainability into everyday life. He explained the close relationship between environmental conservation and the well-being of future generations, reminding the audience that protecting the environment is both a practical necessity and a moral responsibility. His message reflected His Holiness’s vision of creating a compassionate and sustainable world.
The programme also featured a captivating performance by the Gangjong Dokar Opera Troupe, which showcased Tibet’s rich cultural heritage through performances representing all three traditional provinces of Tibet. Their lively Snow Lion Dance received enthusiastic applause from the students and left the audience deeply impressed by the vibrancy of Tibetan traditions.
A ceremonial exchange of gifts between the CRO delegation and the Mount Carmel faculty symbolised the spirit of friendship and collaboration. The faculty members expressed their sincere appreciation to the CRO-led delegation and conveyed their hope that more such programmes would be organised in the future, recognising their significance in promoting cultural understanding, compassion and meaningful engagement among students.
The programme concluded with a renewed call to uphold the values of compassion, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Through its insightful talks, cultural performances and exchanges, the event created an inspiring atmosphere of learning and mutual understanding, reinforcing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s commitments as guiding principles for building a more compassionate, culturally enriched and environmentally conscious society.
The programme concluded with the singing of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems.
—Report filed by CRO, Bangalore
