DHARAMSHALA: The Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (TMAI) based in Dharamshala has launched an out-reach and support  program towards the Mentseekhang in Lhasa, Tibet to celebrate its centenary in 2016 since its establishment in the year 1916.

Addressing a press conference today, Tashi Tsering Phuri, Director, TMAI, told reporters that “to mark 100 years of the Lhasa Mentseekhang, the Mentseekhang in Dharamshala will launch an extensive program from 23  March 2016 to re-establish the Lhasa Mentseekhang’s legacy as the central institute of Tibetan medicine in the service of humanity.”

“We will tour several cities in both India and abroad  to celebrate the centenary of the Lhasa Mentseekhang. The proceeds from these tours will be sent to support the Mentseekhang in Lhasa. Moreover, all the staff of the institute will contribute 100 hours of their salary towards the support program” he further elaborated.

The Lhasa Mentseekhang was established as the premier institute of Tibetan medicine and astrology by His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama in 1916. The first Tibetan medical institute, Chagpori Medical college, was completely destroyed during the onslaught of Communist China. The Lhasa Mentseekhang, which had also been a target of the communist Chinese was miraculously saved during the Chinese communist occupation of Tibet.