Dehradun: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, who is on official visits to schools and monasteries in the Dehradun region, made visits to the Tibetan Homes School and Sambhota Tibetan School in Mussoorie on 29 October 2022.
Accompanied by Kasur (former Kalon) Ngodup Dongchung, Secretary Jigme Namgyal from the Department of Education, Dehradun Tibetan Settlement Officer and the members of governing body of Tibetan Homes Foundation (THF), Sikyong toured and inspected the school’s office, classrooms, and library following elaborate reception from students and teachers in the morning.
In his address at the school’s Tsering Dolma Auditorium, the visiting Sikyong explained the functioning and roles of the three pillars and autonomous bodies of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to the students and teachers. He further urged the gathering to reverently follow the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama while dissuading fratricidal disputes amongst the students. He recommended students to read Tibetan histories.
Given the consolidation of Tibetan schools due to a decrease in student numbers, Sikyong assured enhancement in facilities for the students along with continued support to Tibetan old-age people and poor patients from the CTA. Furthermore, he lauded the staff and teachers for their dedicated services before partaking in an interview with a student. Later in the afternoon, Sikyong attended the 46th governing body meeting of the Tibetan Homes Foundation.
Similarly, Sikyong, who had visited TCV Selakui school days before, also visited Sambhota Tibetan School adjacent to THF with the accompanying dignitaries. Following the introductory remark from the school’s Principal, Thakchoe Tsering, Sikyong addressed the students during gathering at the school’s quadrangle. He explained Mussoorie as the initial residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile, and the tremendous efforts of His Holiness led elder Tibetans in building this vibrant exile community.
Sikyong apprised China’s implementation of the concerning education policy in Tibet to the assemblage of students consisting of both Tibetans and Indians. He also spoke about self-immolation, China’s ongoing dispossession of Tibetans’ cultural artefacts, and pollution and diversion of Tibet’s major river systems that meet the water needs of downstream countries. In the end, highlighting the close cultural and religious ties between India and Tibet, he stated that Tibetan monasteries in India provide education and other facilities to the monks from the Himalayan regions.
Before concluding his day-long program, Sikyong answered the questions raised by the students of Sambhota Tibetan School.