Dharamshala: The opening ceremony of the third cultural immersion summer course was attended by Kalon (Minister) Tharlam Dolma Changra as the chief guest, members of TIPA and the participants including their parents.
The event began at 10:00 AM, during which the chief guest lit the ceremonial butter lamp followed by offering of traditional butter tea and sweet rice. During the ceremony, Dondup Tsering, the Director General of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, presented the objectives of launching such programme and shared the outcomes and benefits experienced by participants from previous sessions.
Following that, the chief guest, Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra emphasised the essential purpose of the intensive training, noting that Tibetan youth in the diaspora must remain mindful of their language and cultural heritage. She further urged Tibetan parents to take an active role in teaching and passing down the Tibetan language and customs at home, highlighting that this responsibility is of great importance. She also expressed appreciation to the participants of this year’s programme for upholding the structure and discipline of the training, and for their sincere commitment to preserving Tibetan performing arts and cultural values. She commended their dedication and encouraged them to continue their efforts, and concluded by expressing words of deep gratitude on behalf of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.
This summer, approximately twenty male and female students from four countries have come to attend the programme, which runs from 1 to 31 July 2025. The training includes instruction in various fields such as the Tibetan language, classical studies, musical instruments, Tibetan opera (Lhamo), and drama.
Due to the fact that a large portion of Tibetans now reside outside India—around 50% of the exile community—many Tibetan parents living abroad have inquired whether their children could receive such training in performing arts like music and Lhamo.
In response to this growing interest, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts began offering this opportunity in late June 2023. Since then, Tibetan youths from over fifteen different countries have participated in these programs, receiving training in the Tibetan language, performing arts, and traditional culture. This initiative has seen enthusiastic participation and continues to expand.
