Dharamshala: The Department of Religion and Culture (DoRC) recently wrapped up its Tibetan Arts and Culture Fund’s (TACF) outreach program in the settlements of South India today.
The programme commenced on 30 December in Hunsur Rabgyaling settlement and continued with visits to Bylakuppe and Kollegal settlements on 31 December 2023 and 2 January 2024, respectively.
DoRC Secretary Chime Tseyang took the opportunity to introduce the Department and shed light on its ongoing initiatives aimed at preserving and sustaining Tibetan religion and culture in exile. The outreach program garnered significant attention, with a total attendance of more than 250 Tibetans across the three settlements.
During the outreach sessions, Dhundup Tsering, the head of DoRC’s culture section, presented the Tibetan Arts and Culture Fund project to settlement residents. The event also featured a documentary screening showcasing success stories of the TACF project. DoRC staff provided comprehensive insights into the project’s intricacies, covering aspects such as announcements, eligibility criteria, selection processes, and implementation procedures. Attendees had the chance to interact with DoRC staff, who addressed queries and clarified doubts about the project.
During the visit to Bylakuppe Tibetan settlements, Secretary Chime Tseyang extended her engagements to the Sera Jey translation department. The discussions centred around the ongoing translation work related to the in-process religious tourism application project.
The successful conclusion of the TACF outreach program highlights the commitment of the Department of Religion and Culture to fostering and preserving the rich tapestry of Tibetan religion and culture in the diaspora. As the initiatives gain momentum, the Department remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Tibetan community in exile.
The ‘Tibetan Arts and Culture Fund’ project has been funded by the USAID through the Tibet Fund since 2017. Over the past six series of this project, more than 140 cultural organisations, individual artists and researchers have received this fund.
-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA