Dharamshala: The Department of Education’s Scholarship Section successfully hosted the Unlocking Potential Programme for Sherig Excellence Scholarship recipients from 1–2 July 2026 at the TCRC Conference Hall, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Bringing together 15 scholarship recipients, the two-day programme created a supportive space for participants to grow personally, strengthen their leadership skills, and prepare for their academic and professional journeys. It also encouraged the participants to meaningfully reflect on their Tibetan heritage, and to uphold their responsibility towards its preservation with confidence and purpose.
The programme began with registration and a welcome dinner on 30 June, providing participants with an opportunity to meet one another and build rapport.
The official opening ceremony on 1 July 2026 featured introductory remarks by Sonam Sangmo, Head of the Scholarship and Sponsorship Section, followed by addresses from Karma Choeying, Secretary of the Department of Education, and a keynote address by Education Kalon Urgyen Tenzin, who emphasised the importance of education, responsibility, and leadership among Tibetan youth. He stated that in Tibet, the Chinese Communist authorities are implementing a forceful policy aimed at the gradual elimination of Tibetan religion, culture, language, and national identity. This includes the establishment of residential boarding schools for children and the enactment of China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. In response, he has called on Tibetans living in exile to protect their unique cultural heritage and language, and to uphold their moral values and traditions, as well as to dedicate themselves to serving the cause of Tibet and its people.
The first day focused on key themes, including the preservation of the Tibetan language and cultural identity, as well as mental health and well-being in the digital era. Participants also took part in a hands-on session on artificial intelligence, prompt engineering, and Google Workspace, which equipped them with practical digital skills for academic and professional success.
The second day featured Tibetan Conflict Resolution Centre conducting an experiential workshop on communication, conflict resolution, active listening, Nonviolent Communication, and leadership development. Through interactive discussions, role plays, and group activities, participants strengthened their interpersonal skills, learned constructive approaches to resolving conflict, and explored the qualities of effective and ethical leadership.
The Unlocking Potential Programme is a pilot programme aiming to provide Sherig Excellence scholarship recipients with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to build lasting networks. By combining academic, personal, and leadership development with cultural values, the programme reaffirmed the Department of Education’s commitment to nurturing capable, confident, and socially responsible Tibetan scholars prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
