Norgyeling, Bhandara: On 31 October 2025, Education Kalon, Tharlam Dolma Changra, continued her official observation tour of Tibetan schools in central India with a visit to the Norgyeling Settlement in Bhandara district. She met with students, parents, and local residents, addressing the gathering and responding to their questions with sincerity.
In her address, Kalon Tharlam Dolma described Norgyeling as one of the most fortunate of all Tibetan settlements in exile. Although the region experiences a warmer climate compared to other areas, the settlement has had the special honour of being visited eight times by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has bestowed numerous teachings and long‑life empowerments upon the residents. The Kalon remarked that this spiritual connection continues to serve as a profound source of blessing and strength for the community.
Parents and local residents expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Government of India, and the Department of Education for their combined efforts to provide Tibetan children with balanced traditional and modern education. They also expressed appreciation for the continuing support that helps preserve the Tibetan language and culture while providing access to quality modern learning opportunities.
The following day, the Education Kalon travelled by train from Bhandara to Ambikapur, where she was received by Phendeling Settlement Officer Tsewang Yangtso, Sambhota School Headmaster Dawa Tsering, and other community representatives. Upon arrival at Phendeling Settlement in Mainpat, she was warmly welcomed by local residents who gathered to meet her and attend the program.
At Sambhota School, the headmaster presented an overview of the school’s academic progress and highlighted its key challenges. The Education Kalon interacted with teachers and parents, emphasising that every school, large or small, plays an essential role in shaping the future of the Tibetan community. Referring to Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche’s observation that many people today do not dedicate time to reading, she encouraged parents to help their children cultivate regular reading habits, curiosity, moral discipline, and clear life aspirations. She explained that the Department of Education continues to implement the SEE Learning program in all Tibetan schools to promote moral awareness, compassion, and social responsibility among students.
In her address to the teachers, Kalon reminded them that teaching is a noble yet demanding profession. She shared that both parents and teachers share an equal responsibility for the values, behaviour, and development of students. She urged greater collaboration between home and school to ensure holistic growth in children. Following her discussions, the Kalon visited classrooms, reviewed school facilities, and discussed possible measures to improve infrastructure and overall learning environments.
On 2 November 2025, a meeting was convened together with the local camp leader and parents’ representatives. They discussed that maintaining a clean school environment, improving students’ education and health are not only teachers’ responsibilities but also those of settlement leaders and the people. Such efforts not only stabilise the settlement but also serve as the foundation for nurturing future generations. Thereafter, visits were made to monasteries and local agricultural production facilities.
The Education Kalon will next travel to Phuntsokling Settlement in Odisha. During this leg of her tour, she met with teachers, staff, and parents and inspected the local Sambhota School.
