Dharamshala: Ex-TIPA members residing in Switzerland donated INR 21,76,210 to TIPA. The donation was given to Mr. Ngawang Yonten, TIPA Director, by a group of former TIPA members from Switzerland led by Mr. Tsering Topten Nelung during a meeting at the TIPA Director’s office on October 24, 2019.

The donation represents funds raised during a special fundraising drive initiated by Swiss Ex-TIPA members in the lead up to the 60th anniversary of the founding of TIPA. A total of CHF 30,016.70 was raised. This amount includes individual donations of CHF 500 from 26 members of the Swiss Ex-TIPA association as well as donations from other members of the Swiss Tibetan community. A highlight of the fundraising campaign was a special TIPA benefit event organized on 21 September 2019 in Rapperswil-Jona where over 300 community members attended.

“TIPA was our home for many years. It was one of the first institutions established by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile. During the sixty years of its existence, TIPA has been very successful in preserving and promoting Tibetan performing arts and culture and this important institution needs to be supported. This donation is a token of our gratitude and to say thank you to TIPA,” said Tsering Topten Nelung who served at TIPA from 1963 to 1974 and was appointed as the coordinator for Swiss ex-TIPA members by TIPA to assist with preparations related to TIPA’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Mr. Ngawang Yonten said “TIPA is deeply grateful to Swiss ex-TIPA members for the generous gift and support and I look forward to further strengthening relations with TIPA alumni in Switzerland and in other countries.”

TIPA is celebrating sixty years of its existence with a special four-day event from 29 October to 1 November which includes a three-day international conference on Tibetan performings arts starting on 28 October. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will grace the opening event on 29 October. Many former TIPA members from different parts of India and abroad including other eminent guests will partcipate in the celebrations.