Dharamshala: The Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamshala dedicated its 59th founding anniversary this year for the good health and long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
President Dr Lobsang Sangay of Central Tibetan Administration attended the 59th founding anniversary of Tibetan Children’s Village Upper to mark 59 years of providing education, childcare and service since 1960 under the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and unflinching love and efforts of Ama Tsering Dolma who sowed and began the school as a nursery back then with only 51 children.
The Chief Guest of the ceremony was His Eminence the 34th Menri Trizin Lungtok Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche. Kalons, Deputy Speaker of TPiE Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Chief Justice Commissioner Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Chairman of Public Service Commission and Election Commissioner Wangdu Tsering Pesur and Chief Auditor General also marked their presence on this celebration. Other guests include Secretaries of the Departments, Standing Committee of the 16th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, representatives of CTA offices and NGOs.
President of TCV school, Thupten Dorjee delivered the welcome address and gave a brief report of the school.
Deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok delivered a statement on behalf of the TPiE.
President Dr Sangay in his address paid greetings on behalf of Kashag. President lauded Ama Tsering Dolma and Ama Jetsun Pema who were the pioneers of TCV and recalled their tireless efforts in building the first nursery for Tibetan children in exile and educating thousands of children thereafter. He further thanked all the staff and teachers for providing sound education and guidance to hundreds of thousands of children, many of whom are today serving the various prominent offices and pursuing higher studies.
Drawing comparisons to countries across the world, Sikyong said education facilities in the Tibetan community is one of the most effective and admirable system in place.
“Unlike the regions where children are deprived of basic education, Tibetan students have complete access to school education and scholarships for further studies due to the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
In terms of literacy rate, Sikyong said Tibetan community stands at a better position in comparison to its host country, India, which is 94 per cent and 82 per cent respectively. “Hence, despite being refugees, the achievements of the Tibetan community in all respects are commendable and palpable under the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
With these words, the President encouraged the students to pursue studies with greater determination and will so that they can give back to the community, CTA and contribute to world peace and environment.
The 34th Menri Trizin Lungtok Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche spoke on the importance of the role of teachers and strengthening awareness on the Tibetan Buddhist system of knowledge.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Tsultrim Dorjee, the Director of Upper TCV School.