India-Tibet bonds come alive at Dharamsala exhibition

The air was alive with music as the guitar and dramyin (Tibetan lute) blended in a soulful jugalbandi between Tibetan musician Loten Namling, visiting from Switzerland and Dharamsala’s Kartik Bhardwaj of Khanyara. This spontaneous performance marked the opening of the travelling exhibition ‘India & Tibet: Ancient Ties, Current Bonds’, hosted at Manara, a community library in Mohli village.

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“This is not just about history—it’s about our present, our coexistence, and our future,” said Tenzin Topdhen, director of the Tibet Museum. Through rare photographs and archival materials, the exhibition explores spiritual ties, cultural exchange and the lived experiences of Tibetans in exile.

A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt dialogue between Tibetan poet-activist Tenzin Tsundue and Devinder Rana, a retired Hindi teacher from the Tibetan Children’s Village. They recalled memories of ancient trade routes, the early days of Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala, and how the Indo-Tibetan bond has evolved over the decades.

Their stories resonated deeply with the 60 attendees—including scholars, professionals, and students—making history feel personal and alive. The exhibition’s accessible mix of images and narrative invites viewers of all ages to engage.

Manara, a local initiative promoting literacy, youth leadership, and the arts, sees the exhibit as part of its mission. “We want this to spark dialogue and curiosity,” said Manara Founder-Director Shailey Tucker. “It’s about building bridges—both historical and human.”

The exhibition is open daily (except Wednesdays) until June 8 at Manara’s community library on Mohli-Khanyara Road. Entry is free, with schools across Kangra especially encouraged to visit.