Dharamsala IT Group Calls For Resource Partners To Contribute To Sustainable Development Projects
Palo Alto, CA, April 15 – The Dharamsala Information Technology Group
(DITG) was launched today to tackle Information Technology (IT) development in the region. The Tibetan Computer Resource Center (TCRC) and leading IT professionals in Dharamsala, India formed the new group after a recent series of networking and security workshops. It was the first time that the TCRC had met with so many of its counterparts from local organizations.
“This is truly an historic meeting, the first time we have all sat down in the same room to solve problems together”, said Thubten Samphel, Secretary of the Department of Information. Twenty-four IT professionals attended the workshops from a dozen local organizations. The workshops were conducted by an international delegation of IT experts led by Thubten Samdup, founder and former president of the Canada Tibet Committee and former Member of Parliament for the Tibetan Government in Exile (TGiE).
The primary goal of the DITG is to leverage local talent and become more self-sufficient. Historically the Dharamsala IT community has relied heavily on advice from outside experts. But when those experts were no longer available critical systems were often at risk. Moving forward, Mr. Samdup’s expert group will facilitate world-class training for the Dharamsala IT community. The objective is to improve local planning, development, and operational skills.
Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche and Minister Lobsang Nyandak, of the TGiE, both offered official support to the new group in meetings with Thubten Samdup and his delegation. “The best thing to come out of the workshops is the desire for everyone to work together and develop local skills”, Mr.
Samdup stated. “There is a fantastic amount of talent in Dharamsala and all it needed was the right spark to light the fire. We’re honored to have been part of that”.
The DITG is putting out a first call for technology experts who will become “resource partners” and visit Dharamsala to train local personnel. The DITG is especially interested in: Linux, wireless technologies, information and network security, hardware, and database training. Thubten Samdup will coordinate the work of the resource partners, and The Dalai Lama Foundation will be the initial fiscal sponsor in the United States. Any interested parties should please contact either Thubten Samdup or Jim Schuyler listed at the top of this document.
About the Dharamsala Information Technology Group
The group is chaired by the TCRC, and its inaugural members include Norbulingka, TCV, Men-Tsee-Khang, Voice of Tibet, Delek Hospital, TIPA, Sarah, and IBD.
About the International Delegation of IT Experts
Thubten Samdup, Former Member of Parliament for the TGiE, and Founder of the Canada Tibet Committee, Jim Schuyler, CTO, Dalai Lama Foundation, Locke Berkebile, IT Consultant, Errikos Pitsos, CEO, Ciphire Labs, and Laird Brown, Chief Strategist, Ciphire Labs.
About The Dalai Lama Foundation
The Foundation was established with the Dalai Lama’s endorsement. It supports the development of ethics and peace based on non-dogmatic compassion, and develops educational programs.
