Sikyong Penpa Tsering speaks at the 23rd Anniversary of Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies

August 13, 2021

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Principal of the institute, Passang Tsering and Geshe Samten Gyatso, Director of IBD receives Sikyong. Photo: Tenzin Phende/CTA

Dharamshala: “If it had not been for the absolute sacrifices, relentless effort and farsightedness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan community wouldn’t be known as the most successful refugee community in the world today,” remarked Chief Guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering while addressing at the 23rd Anniversary of Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies on Friday, 13 August.

Other guests at the event include Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Kashag Secretariat, Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal Namgyalkhang, Principal of the institute, Passang Tsering, and Geshe Samten Gyatso, Director of Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD).

In his address, Sikyong urged the students to never forget the benevolence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his profound legacy and the boundless contributions to Tibetan people in addition to his tireless efforts in spreading the message of peace and compassion.

“As future of the nation, you must be well versed in Tibet’s history and its affairs and should be the ones taking charge of Tibet’s narratives” Sikyong asserted.

He commended the independent standing of the institute and the self-sufficiency achieved over the years as he acknowledged the monetary contributions by former staff and students of the institute especially during the time of crisis, and credited the institute for nurturing competent and responsible individuals through its value-based education.

Expressing the 16th Kashag’s commitment, Sikyong re-declared the prioritization of finding a lasting solution to the long-standing Tibet’s issue through Sino-Tibet dialogue in consent with the Middle Way Approach. He also established his administration’s commitment to serving the welfare of the Tibetan people in addition to nurturing and strengthening the Tibetan administration in exile.

The principal of the institute, Passang Tsering presented in detailed the history, background, educational programs and mission of Sarah college. He also issued a list of the names of former staff and students acknowledging them for funding the institute during the covid crisis.

Director of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD), Geshe Samten Gyatso also spoke on the ocassion.

The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of toppers of the academic year 2020-2021 and staff whose extended service surpasses more than 20 years. Special Guest Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal felicitated individuals who contributed tremendously during the covid outbreak at the institute affecting 109. The individuals include nurses, cooks, drivers and volunteers.