By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, May 30: The college of Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, the foremost institute set up in exile for the study of traditional Tibetan astrology and medicine today commemorated its 55th anniversary here in Dharamshala.
Former Kalon (Minister) Kirti Rinpoche who attended the ceremonial event as the Chief Guest told the gathering that the institution should refrain from becoming “commercialized” in the face of growing demands and instead strive for higher ambitions with “innovation” as a benchmark and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision as a guiding principle. The religious leader also reminded the gathering of the shortfalls in the preventive healthcare pointed out by the His Holiness Dalai Lama during its centennial celebrations and urged remedial efforts in the same area.
Dr. Anil Chauhan, the principal of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College attended as a special guest at the function. He lauded the exhibition by the students saying, “I have been in medical profession for the last 40 years, yet what I have seen today has been an eye opener.” He said that exchange and collaborative efforts with western institutions such as the Emory University is a positive step towards enhancing the benefits and further development of traditional Tibetan medicine. He also assured collaborative projects between Tanda Hospital (RPGMC) and Men- Tsee-Khang in the near future.
Dr. Pema Gyaltsen, a Lecturer at the Men-Tsee-Khang, said that the education remains the highest priority within the institute. “The demand and image of Tibetan medicine has never been better than it is right now, that is the result of thousands of years of unfathomable commitments by masters and healers alike. The education remains the most important aspect of the ensuring continuation of the science and service of the ailing everywhere. The doctors of the 54 branches of Men-Tsee-Khang have all graduated from this college and there are plans to further expand the educational capacity of the institution in line with the vision of His Holiness.”
The TMAI College established in 1961 in Dharamshala under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama currently has 105 students including from Russia, Korea and the Himalayan region.
