DHARAMSHALA: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay graced the 80th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, organised by Tibetan Homes Foundation based in Mussoorie on Friday, 2 October. He was invited as the chief guest as he is the President of the Board of Directors, Tibetan Homes Foundation.
The three-day celebration of sporting and cultural competition was dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to express gratitude to his immense contribution to the Tibetan movement and world peace. Among the activities included speeches titled ‘His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not only a gem for the Tibetan people but for the whole world’.
Over 3000 people including teachers, staff, former Tibetan civil servants, dignitaries from neighboring Tibetan settlements and students from THF and seven other schools from neighboring areas attended the celebration.The seven other schools include the three branch schools of THF, STS Paonta, TNMF Clement town, Chenrezig school, CST Mussoorie, CST Herbertpur, STS Dekyiling, TCV Selakui.
Addressing the packed hall, Sikyong talked about the emphasis placed on education by the 14th Kashag and called on the need for academic excellence in Tibetan schools.
Sikyong also encouraged students to avail the numerous scholarships provided by the education department to boost Tibetan education and lauded the past two winners of the prestigious Sikyong Scholarship.
He further emphasised the significance of hard work and ethical behaviour to achieve success. At the same time, Sikyong urged them to maintain respect and reverence to the teachers and staff of the school, condemning the few isolated cases of smoking and substance abuses.
Speaking about parental responsibility towards child development, Sikyong said that parental involvement in children’s education from an early age has a significant effect on educational achievement, and continues to do so into adolescence and adulthood.
He expressed that parental responsibility doesn’t end with pocket money and winter vacations but should be present throughout all aspects of children’s lives. He added that studies show children gain in confidence when parents involve themselves in their children’s education.
He recited the popular English adage “Children want your presence, more than your presents” to buttress his argument, proving that parental involvement in children’s education does make a positive difference to their ward’s achievement.
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay also highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lam’s remarkable achievements and contribution towards world peace in general and the Tibetan cause in particular. Sikyong also spoke about ‘2014 – year of gratitude to His Holiness’, organised by the 14th Kashag last year.
Sikyong returned to Dharamshala on 3 October.
Tibetan Homes Foundation is a school based in Mussoorie. It aims to provide the best possible means of a good education for Tibetan children so that they grow up as self reliant and contributing members of community at large.
