Dharamshala: In alignment with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) has developed comprehensive curricula, qualifications, and objectives to preserve and promote traditional Tibetan performing arts, with a special focus on Ache Lhamo (Tibetan Opera).

Recognising the importance of fostering awareness and engagement among young Tibetans, TIPA has initiated a series of outreach programs in major Tibetan schools. From 20 to 27 November 2024, a team comprising; Tenzin Phuntsok, Artistic Director; Sonam Tseten, Cultural Teacher and Arts Researcher; Tenzin Jangchup, Performance Teacher and Kalsang Dolma, Performance Teacher visited key schools in the northern region of India.

Similarly, from 9 to 17 January 2025, Dhondup Tsering, TIPA’s Director, travelled to southern Tibetan settlements to meet with school administrators and settlement officers. During his visit, he also met with two senior Ache Lhamo artists, Kundeling Thubten la, residing at the Old People’s Home in Lugsam, Bylakuppe, and Trinley Gompo (Dobdob la), residing in Bylakuppe Dekyi Larso. These meetings aimed to express gratitude and seek guidance from the elder artists in the preservation of Tibetan opera traditions.

This marks the first time TIPA has undertaken such an extensive outreach initiative to directly introduce its performing arts curriculum and vision to young Tibetans in schools. Through these programs, TIPA aspires to inspire greater interest and participation in the preservation and promotion of Tibetan performing arts among the younger generation.

-Report filed by Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts