As Children’s Day is being celebrated today in India, the host country of the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan schools are also celebrating the day as Children’s Day. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to greet and wish all Tibetan children a very Happy Children’s Day.
First of all, it is important to understand the significance of the day. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru considers children as the future of a nation’s strength and societal foundation, and holds special affection for children.
Just as the late prime minister of India loves children, the 16th Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration led by the Sikyong particularly the education department and myself, consider Tibetan children as the bedrock of Tibetan national strength and the seeds of future Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also believes Tibetan children to be the future of Tibet and hopes that they will live up to the promise of peace, love and warm heartedness. Therefore, what I want to talk about today first is health and hygiene.
Health and hygiene is mutually-dependent. We should eat foods that are healthy and abstain from those which are unhealthy. The food and fruits provided from the school are filled with nutrition and minerals, and you should eat them. You should also engage in physical activities and games. You should refrain from eating sweets, fast foods, and junk snacks, and absolutely abstain from consuming alcohol and smoking. If there are any who does such things in secret, it is not only a violation of school rules but also harmful to your health. So, you should stop it immediately.
Nutrition is extremely important during the growth stages of a child. Parents should also provide nutritious food to their children based on their economic status. If parents provide nutritious food to their children, there is less chances of children suffering from malnutrition, and will remain active and healthy. With an active state of mind, children will not be lethargic and will remain sharp and focused on education.
There is a saying that goes: health of the public is health of the nation. So, it is important that you remain hygienic and healthy. From a larger perspective, it helps the Tibetan movement as it ensures the fitness and strength of the nation’s future leaders and officials.
It is also important to love and respect your elders especially your parents and teachers. I am sure you are doing it but it is imperative that I emphasise it as it will help you in the long run. Similarly, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama always explains, mental health is extremely important. I have come to know that there are increasing cases of depression in the Tibetan community. Tibetan children should read and listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s speeches. If you can do that, you will not only enhance mental capacities but also during moments of mental stress, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s words will surely help.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed many times that the main purpose of life is to be happy. To create happiness for oneself and for others, you should be compassionate. To become compassionate, you should study how to be kind and selfless. Just as you become happy when others treat you well and unhappy when others mistreat you, we should realise that others feel the same way. We should not bully or mistreat those who are younger or smaller than you. If you can do that, you will gain more friends, and will also be happier and healthier both physically and mentally.
Secondly, it is crucial to study and focus on Tibetan language. Tibetan language is the life-force and identity of the Tibetan people. Tibetan religion and culture is our strength. Unfortunately, Tibetans inside Tibet don’t have the freedom and space to study Tibetan language. Those who do study and promote Tibetan language are arrested under politically motivated charges. Those of us in exile in free countries, we should reenergise our efforts to preserve the Tibetan language, culture, and religion. This is also what His Holiness the Dalai Lama advises the Tibetan youth to do.
Thirdly, Tibetan children should read as much as possible. There is no one in the world who have become a scholar without reading books. Tibetan children should understand that we have an additional responsibility of working for the Tibet cause, and therefore you should read more by utilising the school, home and class libraries. If you can develop a reading habit from childhood, it will have a huge impact on your adult life. You cannot lead a meaningful life without reading books. Reading will not only enhance your comprehension, knowledge, and writing skills but will strengthen your overall wisdom. Therefore, start from today to develop a strong reading habit.
In conclusion, I sincerely hope and believe that you all will transform into fine human beings in the future. May the profound aspirations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama be fulfilled and may he live long and prosperous.
Kalon
Department of Education
Central Tibetan Administration
Note: This is a translation of the official statement in Tibetan. Treat the original in Tibetan as authoritative in case of any discrepancy.