By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, October 23: The Tibetan Children’s Village school which is one of the oldest and largest Tibetan schools in exile today celebrated its 54rd anniversary here. Presiding over the celebrations as chief guest was Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Penpa Tsering, and Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the guest of honor.
One of the largest residential schools in India, TCV this year themed its anniversary on “Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, as implemented by the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet).
Addressing at the occasion, Speaker Penpa Tsering said, “Many Tibetan students here in TCV have come from Tibet risking their lives seek education. Therefore when there is an opportunity to study here, one should make the best use of this opportunity so that you do not regret in the future. So the opportunity to educate yourself must not be wasted, taking responsibility not only for your own betterment but also of the community with a sense to serve.”
Also present at the event were the Chief Justice Commissioner, ministers of the cabinet, members of the parliament, Tibet supporters, sponsors and TCV alumnus.
Tsewang Yeshi, President of TCV, expressed his gratitude to former and current staff of the school and sponsors. He said the school would not have grown into a “happy home” without the contribution from them.
The opening day’s festivity was also marked with the cultural performances and calisthenics display by children. The inter-house athletics meet will be held tomorrow followed by a TCV alumni gathering on the third day.
Headquartered here in the Northern Indian town of Dharamshala, the base for the Dalai Lama led Tibetan Government in Exile; TCV is the largest residential school of the exiled Tibetan community and also one of the largest of its kind in India.
Founded in 1960 as a nursery with just 51 children, TCV has become a thriving, integrated educational community for destitute Tibetan children in exile, as well as for hundreds of those escaping from Tibet each passing year. With established branches in India extending from Ladakh in the North to Bylakuppe in the South, TCV has over 15,000 children under its care.
