By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, August 14: The College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, which unofficially serves as a training centre for Tibetan civil servants today commemorated its 16th founding anniversary with the launch of Masters Degree (Tsuglak Rabjampa) in Tibetan History and Literature.
A modest ceremony at the school’s auditorium was attended by Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay as the Chief Guest. Also present were Secretary of Department of Education, Tenzin Lungtok, Additional Secretary of Department of Religion and Culture, Principal of the college and over 500 students and staff of the college.
Geshe Jamphel Dhakpa, Principal of the college, said that the main purpose for the introduction of the post graduation courses is to produce as many Tibetans with specialization in various subjects as per the guidance of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“There is comparatively very little resource on Tibetan history, so we plan to initiate various research by using modern research methods in studying Tibetan History. Likewise, I hope the Master Degree in literature would really be helpful,” said Jamphel.
Jamphel further noted that the college plans to introduce M.Phil and P.Hd courses in the near future.
He said that the idea to start Masters Degree was first proposed at a meeting attended by over 30 intellectuals in 2000. There are currently 12 Masters students, six each in Tibetan History and Tibetan Literature.
Tibetan PM Sangay presented certificates and Tibetan ceremonial scarves (khatak) to the graduate students.
Established in 1998 as a branch of the Dharamshala based Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, the College currently provides a range of courses, including Master Degree (Tsuglag Rabjampa), Bachelor of Tibetan Studies (Thorim Rigney Rabjampa), Buddhist Philosophy Course, and an exchange programme with Emory University.
CHTS currently has 252 students, including students from outside India.
