Dharamshala: On 19 March 2025, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) had the honour of welcoming Katy Saeger, President of the Harmonica, Dr Thupten Jinpa, a renowned Tibetan scholar and the former translator of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr Robert Thurman, Professor of Indo Tibetan studies at the University of Columbia, and Geshe Dorjee Gyaltsen, the coordinator.

At 6:00 PM, the Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification plant, donated by the Harmonica organisation for the well-being of all the members of the institution was inaugurated by Katy Saeger, President of Harmonica, along with all the delegates from the organisation. 

High officials and dignitaries from the Central Tibetan Administration were also in attendance, as well as secretaries and officials from the office of Ganden Phodrang. The inauguration of the plant was followed by a speech from the Director of The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, where the director shed light upon the generous donations made by the organisation to the institute to ensure sustainability and smooth functioning. The Director then gave a brief introduction to Geshe Thupten Jinpa’s life and all the things that he has done for the Tibetan community. The speech then concluded with a brief introduction of the institute and its objectives.   

After the Director’s speech, Geshe Dorjee Gyaltsen talked about the Je Tsongkhapa Scholarship and its genesis; he also thanked the generous sponsors of the scholarship, the Harmonica. Geshe Dorjee Gyaltsen also shared his deep interest in Tibetan folk opera and the vibrant performing traditions of Tibet. This was followed by a speech from Katy Saeger, where she shared how joyful and blessed she and everyone at Harmonica felt to be able to assist the institute with the RO water purification plant and the funding of the Je Tsongkhapa Scholarship. She mentioned in her speech that the Harmonica organisation will continue to support the funding of the scholarship and the institute in its future endeavours.    

A video message from the recipients of the Je Tsongkhapa Scholarship was then displayed, where the recipients shared how the scholarship has enabled them to further study and research their respective interests. They shared their gratitude for the Je Tsongkhapa Scholarship for aiding them. After the video message, the Artiste of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts showcased the vibrancy of the Tibetan cultural songs and dances followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by the Institute.  

-Report filed by Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts