Mundgod: Upon arrival at Mundgod Tibetan settlement early this morning, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay kicked off his two-day programme in the settlement with an address to the students of Sambhota Tibetan School, Mundgod.
Dr Sangay congratulated the Principal, staff and students of Sambhota Tibetan school for the overall improvement of the school’s performance in academic field since handing over the school’s administration to Sambhota Tibetan School under the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration in May 2018.
According to the School Principal Sangpo Rigzin, the pass percentage of Class X rose from 75.51% in 2018 to 100% in 2020. Similarly, the pass percentage of Class XII in 2019 rose from 96.39% to 96.97%.
“The result of STS Mundgod is a testament to the efficiency of the schools after being handed over to and run by the Department of Education,” Dr. Sangay.
To make education opportunities accessible to all, Sikyong said his administration has decided to provide scholarship to all students who secure more than 50% in Class XII under Sambhota Tibetan School and Central School for Tibetans.
Dr Sangay pointed out to the students that our political refugee status shouldn’t come in the way of becoming successful, “Apart from our status as political refugees, we should know that we are equal in terms of capability, opportunity and resources,” Dr Sangay said while recounting his experience of overcoming many challenges to finally achieve success.
“Had it been that I had let my circumstances to dampen the spirit to aspire for higher education, perhaps I wouldn’t be here today,” Dr. Sangay noted.
Dr Sangay advised the students to always have what he called a “victor mindset” as opposed to a victim mindset to achieve success in their education.
Finally, Dr Sangay said proper conduct is essential in overall development of a personality.
“Indulgence in bad habits may be tempting for a time being but it will lead you nowhere. Smoking might seem cool but it will ruin your life in the end,” Dr Sangay remarked urging the students to refrain from indulging in bad habits.
Following the address to the students, Dr Sangay paid a quick visit to ex-army welfare association office and paid tribute to Tibetans who laid their lives serving in the Indian army on his way to lunch break at Drepung Lachi monastery.
Dr Sangay is scheduled to visit a few of the monasteries in the settlement as part of his evening engagement and later meet and speak to monks of Drepung monastery.
– Filed by Tenzin Wangchuk