Tibetan school in Upper Dharamsala celebrates 64th founding anniversary

The Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School in Upper Dharamsala marked its 64th founding anniversary with a commemorative event attended by prominent figures, including former Tibetan government President Samdhong Rinpoche, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Officiating Sikyong and Education Minister Tharlam Dolma Changra. The ceremony also welcomed sponsors, staff members, alumni and local Tibetan residents.

Sonam Sichoe, TCV’s Executive Director, opened the event with a welcome speech and an annual report on the school’s progress. Dr Andersson, founder of the International Campaign for Tibet in Germany, highlighted TCV’s pivotal role in educating Tibetan children in exile.

Officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra delivered an address recounting the challenges faced by TCV in its early days, particularly in caring for orphaned and malnourished Tibetan children. She praised the dedication of Tsering Dolma Takla, elder sister of the Dalai Lama, who initially took responsibility for these children, and Jetsun Pema, the younger sister of the Dalai Lama, who later transformed TCV into a leading educational institution. She also stressed the importance of preserving Tibetan language and culture in the face of ongoing threats from Chinese policies aimed at erasing Tibet’s heritage. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, followed with a speech, after which service awards were presented to TCV staff who have dedicated 20 years of service. Additionally, merit awards were given to Upper TCV students Tenzin Lungrik and Tenzin Bhuti for their contributions as prefects.