By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, July 14: On the occasion of World Population Day, the Nepal Awareness Society honoured two Tibetans with certificates for their contribution to society at a function at Nepal tourism Board today.
Ven. Jampa Phuntsok, principal of Srongtsen School and Mr Dhondup Tsering, Tibetan settlement officer of Boudha and Jorpati were among the 14 other people felicitated for their long standing and exceptional social contributions.
The awareness society, in recongnising their valuable contribution, encouraged them to continue with their social services in the future and acknowledged that their contribution to society would benefit peace and stability in the country.
The Society’s decision has come about after thorough study on the background and services of these selected people.
Ven. Jampa said, “The Society has given this award to people for their contribution towards education sector and other social services.”
“I believe that they chose me because Srongtsen school is a registered school in Nepal where both Tibetans and students of Himalayan region of Nepal study here,” Ven. Jampa told Phayul here today.
Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School celebrated its silver jubilee in April this year and is one of the most prominent and successful Tibetan schools in Nepal. Beginning in a rented house in 1982 with just over a hundred students, the school has now grown to a full-fledged non-profitable Tibetan boarding school catering educational needs to 682 students with 66 teaching and non-teaching staff. The school emphasizes equal importance to preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Tibet, which is strongly reflected in the school’s educational curriculum.
The school, along with Namgyal Higher Secondary School in Kathmandu achieved 100% pass result in Class X Board Examination of Nepal held this year maintaining a high academic performance.
Speaking to Phayul, Mr Dhondup said, “Two officials from the society came and told me that I have done many social services in the past. I have established the Srongtsen Bhrikuti Social Development Society that operates a clinic and provides ambulance service to people irrespective of caste and creed. Sometime ago I have led the Boudanath Stupa renovation by getting permission from the UN. This is something exceptional because it could not be done for in hundreds of years.”
“Currently I am working for Tibetan people of Boudha and Jorpati,” Mr Dhondup added.
The renovation of the holy Boudanath Stupa [Tib: Chorten Jarung Khashor] was completed and consecrated in November 2006. The renovation of holy Boudanath Stupa was initiated by Tibetans living in Boudha and Jorpati led by Mr Dhondup with an initial budget of 1500 000 Nepalese Rupees. With the generous donations from general public and various donors, the budget soared to almost 6 million rupees, which covered the entire cost of the renovation works.
The Base Renovation Committee (Mandal Marmat Samiti) included Tibetan Refugee Community Office, Boudha Gyang Guthi, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 6 and Boudha Development Committee.
