DHARAMSHALA: The college of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (Tibetan: Men-Tsee-Khang) today marked its 53rd founding anniversary of its auditorium in Gangchen Kyishong. The occasion was also marked with the conferment of certificates to its graduate students and honorary certificates to tenured staff who have served the institute for over 20 years.

The anniversary function was attended by chief guest Mr. Tsering Wangchuk, Kalon for the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration and special guest Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Speaking at the occasion, Kalon Tsering Wangchuk said that Men-Tsee-Khang is one of the most important component of the Department of Health, lauding its incredible achievements in the past 50 years.  He attributed the achievements of the institute to the elder generation of Tibetans who have preserved this rich cultural science through their hard work and dedication.

He also lauded the institute for its notable social work for looking after the medical needs of the Tibetan people as well as Indians and foreigners alike. At the same time, he urged the Tibetan doctors to continue serving the community through their noble profession and fulfil the advices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Health Kalon also talked about the universal medical ethics that Tibetan doctors need to imbibe in their practice to develop their professional skills.

Speaker Penpa Tsering, in his address, congratulated the institute for completing 53 glorious years of existence. He said, the institute has preserved the rich traditions of Tibetan cultural science for over 50 years and has served the Tibetan community in various capacities.

He also talked about the need for specialisation by Tibetan doctors and astrologers to further develop these cultural sciences. “As per the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we should encourage more number of specialised studies to boost the substance of these sciences, thereby serving the needs of the patients and the community at large,” he said.

He also called for the need to form committees within the institute to review its work  and asses the standard of Tibetan medical system as compared to other cultural sciences like the Indian Ayurveda.

At the same time, Speaker Penpa Tsering highlighted the essence of moral discipline and value of principles while catering to the needs of the patients, as more and more young medical practitioners emerge to take over the mantle from senior doctors.

The College of Tibetan Medicine and Astrology (Men-Tsee College) was incepted on 2 June 1961 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Till date, the college has produced over 200 Tibetan medical practitioners and 60 Tibetan astrologers.