Dharamshala: The Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, congratulates DoE Scholarship Recipient Tenzin Kalden for winning two gold medals at Bangalore University, sponsored by the Bengaluru Speech and Hearing Trust, the awards honour her for achieving the highest marks and securing the 1st rank in the B.Sc. Speech and Hearing (BASLP) program for the 2019-2023 academic batch, both at the college and university levels. The awards were presented at the university’s convocation on 10 September 2024.
Kalden, who grew up in the Tibetan refugee settlement of Mainpat Phendeling, studied there until 5th grade before completing her primary education at Sambhota School Poanta and finishing Class XII from TCV Selakui. She developed an interest in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology during a career counselling session in Class 12. “That class sparked my curiosity, and after researching, I connected with two Tibetan seniors pursuing the same course. After careful consideration, I chose this path,” said Kalden. She completed her BASLP from the Naseema Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore, in 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, Kalden shared that BASLP is a unique and growing paramedical field focused on patient care and support, though not widely known. “I didn’t fully understand the course until I gained hands-on experience,” she said. Since graduating, she has been working as a Paediatric Speech-Language Therapist at Narayana Nethralaya Hospital, Bangalore. In her role, she handles a variety of cases, including ASD, ADHD, language delays, cerebral palsy, stuttering, articulation disorders, dysphagia, and hearing loss.
Kalden expressed deep gratitude to the many people who supported her throughout her academic journey. “With the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I completed my education. I am especially thankful to my family for creating a nurturing environment that shaped my values and career aspirations.” She also acknowledged the role of the Central Tibetan Administration in offering scholarships and opportunities, particularly the DOE scholarship under the Global Affairs Canada program. She extended her appreciation to her sponsors, Denise Phuntsok Drolma and her team Apact, for their continued support during her schooling years.
Despite her success, Kalden faced challenges along the way, particularly during her internship, which involved extensive travel and long, exhausting days. “It was emotionally draining, but these experiences contributed significantly to my personal growth,” she said. Kalden encouraged other young Tibetans to pursue their dreams, saying, “Work hard, stay true to your values, and don’t let societal pressures make you doubt your worth. Perseverance is key, and in the end, you’ll look back with pride and joy.”
The Department of Education congratulates Tenzin Kalden once again and wishes her success in all her future endeavours.
-Report filed by Department of Education, CTA
