Dharamshala: Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Education Tharlam Dolma Changra, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), attended the 25th graduation ceremony of Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS) as the chief guest earlier today.
The ceremony was graced by Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche as the special guest. Among other attendees were Secretary Dhondul Dorjee; Chhime Rigzin, Secretary of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Geshe Samten Gyatso, Director of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD); Passang Tsering, Principal of CHTS Sarah; Vice-Principal Geshe Jigme Lodoe and Carol, the Sponsor of the College’s mess, along with faculty members and students.
The occasion commenced with faculty members, staff, and students lining the main pathway in front of the administration building to accord a ceremonial welcome to the dignitaries, including Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche.
Following a ceremonial offering of a lamp before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the special guest, the assembly recited prayers, including the Praise to Manjushri (known as Gang-lo-ma). The programme then commenced with opening remarks by Principal Passang Tsering, who welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of the graduation ceremony. This was followed by an address from Geshe Samten Gyatso, Director of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD), who spoke on the importance of the occasion.
During the ceremony, Chhime Rigzin, Secretary of the Gaden Phodrang, presented certificates and ceremonial scarves to four student monitors in recognition of their dedicated service to the institution. Certificates were also awarded to graduates of the Institute for Buddhist Dialectics and the Institute for Buddhist Science. Following Secretary Dhondul Dorjee also presented certificates to the 23 graduated students of Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies
On the occasion, the chief guest, Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra, inaugurated four publications, including the college’s annual magazine, a book, a collection of 15 short stories, and a compilation of three essays authored by Jigme Gyaltsen.
Education Kalon further presented certificates to the graduating students of Sarah College, and Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche presented certificate of Mind & Consciousness course- Lorig to around 90 Vietnamese students.
The Education Kalon further presented certificates to the graduating students of Sarah College, while Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche presented certificates of the Mind & Consciousness (Lorig) course to around 90 Vietnamese students.
Addressing the gathering, special guest of the occasion Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche delivered a keynote speech emphasising the responsibilities of Tibetan youth and the importance of education. He stressed the need to preserve and promote Tibetan language and culture, particularly among the younger generation, underscoring their vital role in safeguarding Tibet’s identity noting language is the lifeline of a people.
Rinpoche briefly recalled the historical contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama in preserving and promoting the Tibetan language and culture, highlighting their enduring efforts in ensuring its continuity.
Rinpoche further spoke on the importance of Tibet’s environment, drawing attention to the critical impact of China’s hydroelectric dam projects on the Tibetan plateau and their potential consequences for downstream countries. He urged students to actively study, use, and promote the Tibetan language in their daily lives, emphasising the importance of the mother tongue in maintaining cultural identity. He also noted that today’s youth have greater opportunities compared to earlier generations and encouraged them to make meaningful use of these advantages.
Following the address by the special guest, chief guest Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra delivered her remarks, offering guidance to the graduates and attendees. She advised students and staff to uphold truthfulness and integrity in whatever path they pursue, stressing that these values are essential in both personal and professional life.
The Education Kalon further encouraged the graduates to make meaningful contributions to society by applying their knowledge and skills with a strong sense of responsibility. She underscored the importance of preserving Tibetan language and culture, especially in exile, and urged students to remain committed to their identity while embracing modern education. She also called on the students to continue learning and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Before concluding, she underscored the importance of discipline, dedication, devotion, determination, and adherence to deadlines, referring the advice of Professor Samdhong Rinpoche. She underlined that these values are essential for achieving both academic excellence and personal growth, and encouraged the graduates to carry them forward in their future endeavours.
She further emphasised that consistent effort, a clear sense of purpose, and commitment to one’s responsibilities are key to overcoming challenges. Urging the students to remain focused and resilient, she called on them to uphold these principles as they step into the next phase of their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Vice-Principal Geshe Jigme Lodoe, followed by a group photograph and a celebratory lunch. Educcation Kalon was accompanied by DoE officials, Under Secretary Tenzin Kunchok.
