Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Thangthong House’ (student hostel and staff residential quarters) at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) on 17 April 2026.

The inauguration programme was attended by Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture, Joint Secretary Tenzin Kunsang from the Department of Home (incumbent Secretary), and Secretary Tsering Dhondup Gyangser of the Department of Finance. Other dignitaries present included Sonam Sichoe, President of the Tibetan Children’s Villages (TCV), former Director of TIPA Shusur Sonam Chomphel, and former Secretary of the Department of Home Tsewang Dolma.

A delegation from German Aid to Tibetans (GAT), led by former President Heide Meyer, also attended the programme, accompanied by Dr Franziska Schlarmann and Anna Wiencek, new members of the organisation.

They were received with traditional Tibetan ceremonial welcomes upon arrival. Monks from Gyuto Tantric Monastery conducted prayers and consecration rituals, following which the Sikyong formally inaugurated and inspected the Thangthong House facilities and residential units.

The project team included architect Matthias Daxi from Germany, along with architects Shraddha and Rita from Mumbai, structural engineer Manjeet Singh, and contractor Mohinder Singh.

The inauguration programme began with a welcome address by TIPA Director Dhondup Tsering, who presented a brief report on the background and completion of the project.

In his address, he noted that the existing student and staff residential quarters, originally constructed in 1970, had exceeded their functional lifespan after more than five decades of continuous use. He highlighted that significant structural deterioration, particularly roof leakage and seepage during the monsoon season, had resulted in unsafe and inconvenient living conditions for both students and staff.

He further explained that due to financial constraints, full funding from the Central Tibetan Administration was not feasible; however, it was agreed that partial support would be provided. Consequently, over 50 percent of the total project cost was covered by the Central Tibetan Administration, while the remaining funds were generously contributed by German Aid to Tibetans.

He extended his sincere gratitude to all supporters for their generous financial and institutional contributions, which made the successful completion of the project possible.

Following this, former GAT President Heide Meyer delivered congratulatory remarks, sharing that she had been associated with the project from its initial stages and was familiar with the architectural plans from the beginning. She noted that she had personally contributed by donating a water heater and tea cups, and emphasised the importance of proper maintenance to ensure the building’s long-term sustainability.

She further expressed her sincere gratitude to all those who contributed, both directly and indirectly, to the successful completion of the construction project.

Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering highlighted the longstanding support extended by German Aid to Tibetans, particularly in the area of infrastructure development, which he noted remains one of the most challenging sectors to secure funding for.

Sikyong also expressed appreciation to German architect Matthias Daxi for his technical expertise and guidance in the design, along with other engineers and collaborators involved in the project.

He also mentioned that currently, enrolment at TIPA is declining, and that if TIPA can maintain high standards in training and all aspects of education, graduates can lead complete lives and shoulder the great responsibility of preserving Tibetan culture. He noted that the current administration is working to create as many opportunities as possible for TIPA students and other aspiring artists. Sikyong shared that in the future, the Board of Directors will convene to finalise the institute’s constitution and regulations.

Sikyong further highlighted the importance of providing safe and adequate residential facilities for students and staff, noting that “a conducive living environment plays a vital role in supporting artistic learning and personal development at TIPA.”

Concluding his remarks, Sikyong Penpa Tsering acknowledged the contributions of engineers and long-time associates, including those involved in the construction of the building of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, reaffirming that “collective effort remains essential in advancing community development.”

The programme concluded with Sonam Chophel, Secretary of TIPA, expressing sincere gratitude to all supporters, noting that the development strengthens infrastructure, improves living standards, and supports the preservation of TIPA’s cultural legacy.