DHARAMSHALA: CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay yesterday attended the silver jubilee celebration of Sherab Gatsel Lobling at Khanyara near Dharamshala.
Tibetan Parliamentarian Ven Monlam Tharchin, Namgyal Yemphel, Director of Sambhota Tibetan schools, Tenzin Dorjee, Head of education department’s academic section, and staff, students and former students of the school, attended the celebration.
In his address, CTA president spoke about the contribution of the school towards the Tibetan community, particularly for the newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet in forging a career path in exile.
“Since the establishment of the school, the school has looked after the newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet. The school has helped them find a foothold in the exile community through education, vocational training, counseling, etc,” he said.
“Now, the achievements of the school is visible across all walks of life in the community. Be it the civil services of the Central Tibetan Administration, social work, Tibetan political advocacy through non-governmental organizations, literature, or Tibetan media, students of this school has strengthened and enriched the fabric of the Tibetan exile community,” he explained.
He also noted the unity of the three traditional provinces of Tibet as one of the defining features of the school. “The students of this school come from all parts of Tibet following an arduous journey across the border. After coming here, they become one. This is extremely important for all Tibetans,” he noted.
He also spoke briefly about the functions of the Central Tibetan Administration and how its activities serve the larger Tibetan cause. “The CTA through its diverse departments and offices look after the welfare, health and education needs of the Tibetan people. Through these, it strengthens the foundation of the Tibetan political movement,” he said.
He also highlighted the contribution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the services of the elder generation of Tibetans. “It is the tireless efforts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elder generation that has enabled Tibetans as the most successful refugee community among the 60 million or so refugees in the world,” he said.
The celebration also saw presentation of certificates to graduating students of the school, presentation of mementos to former directors, staff and teachers, and cultural performances.
Sherab Gatsel Lobling School was established in 1993 to provide education to newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet especially youths aged between 18 and 30. It was initially administered by the Tibetan Reception Centre, and was later handed over to the Department of Education, CTA in February 2002. Currently it is managed by Sambhota School Administration, a registered organisation under the Education Department, based in Dharamshala.
The school has offered education to over 6,000 students since its inception.