DHARAMSHALA: Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile attended the 56th founding anniversary of Tibetan Children’s Village at Upper TCV School on 23 October 2016.
The three-day celebration was graced by His Eminence Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the chief guest and Officiating Sikyong, Kalon Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok of Department of Religion and Culture. Tibetan parliamentarians, members of the Kashag, senior officials of Central Tibetan Administration, representatives of NGOs and patrons of TCV were among the attendees.
Addressing the huge gathering, Speaker reminisced the forceful invasion of Tibet by Chinese military forces in 1959 which subsequently led to the fled of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from his homeland along with several thousands Tibetans to India. “It was due to the steadfast determination of His Holiness and the generosity of the government and the people of India that the rehabilitation of the Tibetan people had a smooth transition, especially educating the young Tibetan children” he added.
He expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to His Holiness’ sisters late Ms. Tsering Dolma Takla and former Kalon Jetsun Pema for their vigorous efforts in providing holistic education to thousands of Tibetan children by introducing the first TCV in 1960.
“In contrast to the situation in exile, our brothers and sisters in Tibet do not have freedom to study our own culture and religion. Therefore it is our responsibility to make maximum utilisation of such opportunity.”
Urging the young students to preserve the Tibetan religion and culture, he said, “despite rapid materialistic progress in the 21st century, the development in human inner values is quite lacking behind. Since Tibetan religion and culture educates our minds, it is important that we preserve it to illuminate and create happiness across the world.”
He further thanked the entire staff members and the students for the successful-56-year and urged them to continue the legacy.
Click here http://chithu.org/ for Tibetan website of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile
