Former Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche as the chief guest at 64th founding anniversary of TCV Upper.
By — Shyamal Sinha
The Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Upper, in Dharamshala, commemorated its 64th founding anniversary with a distinguished ceremony, celebrating over six decades of unwavering commitment to the education and welfare of Tibetan children in exile.
The event was graced by the presence of former Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche as the chief guest, alongside notable attendees including Guest of Honour Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile; Officiating Sikyong cum Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra; Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok; Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering; Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi; Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi; Auditor General Lhakpa Gyaltsen; Standing Committee members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile; secretaries from various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration; and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations. The ceremony also welcomed sponsors, staff members, former TCV students, students from other TCV institutions, and Tibetan residents of Dharamshala.
The proceedings commenced with a minute of mourning to honour the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause, followed by the singing of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems.
TCV Executive Director Sonam Sichoe delivered a welcome address and presented the annual report. Subsequently, Dr. Andersson, founder of the International Campaign for Tibet in Germany, provided insights on the critical role of TCV in educating Tibetan children.
In her address, Officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra offered a brief overview of the establishment of TCV, emphasising the early challenges faced by orphaned and malnourished Tibetan children during the initial stages of exile. She highlighted the efforts of Tsering Dolma Takla, the elder sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who took on the responsibility of caring for these children, particularly those from road construction camps in Jammu. Following the passing of Tsering Dolma Takla, His Holiness’ younger sister, former Kalon Jetsun Pema, assumed leadership of TCV, significantly transforming it into a prominent educational institution for Tibetan children.
The Officiating Sikyong underscored the ongoing threats posed by the Chinese government’s policies, which aim to dismantle Tibetan schools and erase Tibetan language and culture through Sinicization. She emphasised the importance of Tibetan students in exile remaining cognizant of these issues and actively working to preserve and revitalize their language and culture. She also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Tsering Dolma, Ama Jetsun Pema, and all staff members who have dedicated their efforts to TCV over the years.
Following her remarks, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, addressed the audience, after which Former Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche delivered a speech. The Officiating Sikyong then presented service awards to TCV staff members who have dedicated twenty years of service.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel also presented merit awards from the Department of Education, CTA, to Tenzin Lungrik, the boys’ prefect, and Tenzin Bhuti, the girls’ prefect of Upper TCV, in recognition of their exemplary contributions as students.
The ceremony concluded with a series of cultural dance performances and calisthenic demonstrations by students, followed by a closing speech and expressions of gratitude from TCV Director Tsultrim Dorjee.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivering speech at 64th founding anniversary of TCV Upper.
Officiating Sikyong Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra delivering speech at 64th founding anniversary of TCV Upper.
