Dharamshala: As part of the annual outreach program on Tibet for Indian college students, Delhi-based India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) organized an educational tour for 33 students and five faculty members of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi to Dharamshala from 14 – 16 November.
During the three-day program, the group visited the Central Tibetan Administration and met with various officials there to learn about Tibet’s political, cultural and identity struggles in exile. They met Mr Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Secretary, Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) who briefed them about Tibet and the organizational structure and functions of Central Tibetan Administration.
They met Mr Choekyong Wangchuk, Health Kalon who spoke on India-Tibet relations as he had been previously worked on that field for many years. Later he briefly introduced his department and its undertakings. They also met Dr. Pema Yangchen, Education Kalon who spoke on the education system in exile for Tibetans and basic education policy. The group had an interactive Q&A session with all of the dignitary speakers.
The group also visited the Tibet Museum where they were received by Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Director of the Museum who briefed them about the Tibet Museum and hosted them a tour of the museum. Later they visited the Tsuglakhang Temple Complex in the evening for some spiritual knowledge.
On the second day, the students received an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness spoke to them about his four commitments emphasising on the importance of ancient Indian knowledge in modern time and revival of the tradition for the betterment of the world. The students were abound with joy to meet His Holiness.
After the audience, the group visited the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) where they were shown a documentary film introducing the library and its works. Thereafter, they toured the library complex.
In the afternoon, the students visited Upper Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) where they were warmly welcomed by Mr Tsultrim Dorjee, Director of the Village. He took the group on a tour of the village and interacted with the students. Later, they met with Mr Thupten Dorjee, President of TCV who briefed them about the history, current scenario and contribution of the school in the Tibetan community and Tibetan movement. The group had an interactive session with the President.
The group also had an interactive session with Dharamsala-based Tibetan NGOs such as Students for Free Tibet – India (SFT – India), Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT), Tibetan Women Association (TWA) and Middle Way Organization. The NGOs introduced their organisations respectively followed by an active interactive session. The session was coordinated by the Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamshala.
Overall, the students and faculty of IIMC Delhi thoroughly appreciated the educational tour, calling it an eye-opening experience and highly educational as they came to understand many issues regarding Tibet. They remarked that in future they will work towards the Tibetan cause and create awareness among their friends and the Indian public. The students thanked the organizers for the wonderful opportunity.
The group was accompanied by ITCO Deputy Coordinator Mr Gonpo and Program Officer Mr Choney Tsering during the program.
-Filed by India Tibet Coordination Office