April 05, 2021, Bylakuppe: Wrapping up his official engagement in Hunsur Tibetan Settlement with a brief visit to Zongkar Choedhe Monastery, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration left for Bylakuppe where he was received by local Tibetan officials and the general public. Dr. Sangay immediately began his official engagement starting with an address to students from Tibetan Children’s Village School and Sambhota Tibetan School.
He said that an interactive session with the students is a much-needed part of his two-day program in Bylakuppe. Dr. Sangay deliberated on his administration’s priority on education and the number of projects and events launched towards improving the standard of education over the last ten years since taking over the political leadership in 2011.
In terms of the various scholarship programs introduced by his administration, Dr. Sangay talked about the success of the Sikyong Scholarship award to students of Class XII securing more than 95% and said the same scholarship is introduced to the students of Class X.
“The Sikyong scholarship wasn’t received very well during the initial stage of its introduction with many speculating the near impossibility of securing more than 95%,” Sikyong said adding that there had been 19 students who secured more than 95% in Class XII so far.
Continuing to speak on having what he called a “victor mindset” in any work, Dr Sangay said the students should believe in themselves and work hard.
“You can achieve anything provided you have a winning attitude and work hard at it,” Sikyong said while also drawing from his experience of a modest upbringing and later going on to pursue law from the prestigious Harvard Law School and electing to the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Following his address, Dr. Sangay responded to a few questions posed by the students. Asked about his feeling about relieving the post of Sikyong in about two months from now, Dr Sangay said he did his best and achieved more than what he promised.
“In all respect, I can proudly say I have achieved more than what I have promised to deliver. I think I have managed to make His Holiness the Dalai Lama happy with my performance to sum it up,” Dr Sangay noted.
Finally, in response to a query on leadership, Dr Sangay said the success of a leader in essence lies in the readiness to take on challenges and have a balanced and holistic view of every situation. He also added that compassion must be the guiding principle throughout.
Later in the evening, Sikyong made a brief visit to Sera Jey, Sera Mey and Sera Lachi Monastery where he offered prayers. He also visited Sera Jey International online school.
-Filed by Tenzin Wangchuk