Dharamshala: The 2026 Week-long Immersion Programme on Tibetan Language, Culture, and Buddhist Philosophy, organised by the Tibet Advocacy Section of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) in collaboration with the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) concluded on 11 July with the closing ceremony held at the LTWA conference hall. The class of young participants from the Tibetan diaspora, including France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, actively engaged and deepened their understanding of Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhist philosophy.

The closing ceremony on the last day was led by Under Secretary Tenzin Palmo from the Tibet Advocacy Section as the master of ceremony. The programme commenced with Geshe Lhakdor, Director of LTWA, addressing the gathering. The participants were encouraged to continue learning and practicing Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhist values in their daily lives upon returning to their respective countries. “Preserving Tibetan identity begins with individual commitment and only the youth can carry forward the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet within their families and communities.”

In his concluding remarks, Geshe Lhakdor underscored that attaining higher levels of education, knowledge, and personal success depended largely on one’s enthusiasm, perseverance, and dedication. He encouraged the participants to remain lifelong learners and to continue strengthening their understanding of Tibetan culture, philosophy, and values.

Additional Secretary Namgyal Tsewang of the Department of Information and International Relations (CTA) thanked the young Tibetans for their participation in the week-long immersion programme and implored them to remember this week as well as to continue learning about their Tibetan heritage.

The ceremony featured vibrant performances of traditional Tibetan songs and dances presented by the participants. The dance performances, prepared under the guidance of Chime Dolkar, reflected the participants’ enthusiasm and appreciation for Tibetan artistic traditions.

As a token of appreciation for their dedicated guidance and valuable contributions throughout the programme, the organising teams as well as the teachers were presented with khatags and commemorative souvenirs.

With the presentation of the certificates to all 20 participants, the 2026 Week-long Immersion Programme on Tibetan Language, Culture, and Buddhist Philosophy officially concluded. This marks the successful completion of a week dedicated to strengthening participants’ understanding of Tibetan language, culture, Buddhist philosophy, and Tibetan identity while fostering lasting connections among Tibetan youth from across the global diaspora.

– Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, CTA