Dharamshala: Kalon (Minister) Urgen Tenzin of the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), conducted an official visit to the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School and Sherab Gatsel Ling on the morning of 4 August 2026, as part of the school inspection programme.
Upon arrival, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin and Department of Education Secretary Karma Choeying were warmly received by Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Director Tsering Dhondup, Deputy Director (Administration) Tenzin Dorjee, Deputy Director (Academic) Tenzin Nagdon, STSS Principal Tenzin Choedon, Sherab Gatsel Ling Headmistress Sonam Wangmo, and members of the teaching staff.
As part of the inspection, Education Kalon visited classrooms from grades 4 to 10, the staff room, Mathematics Laboratory, Tibetan Language Laboratory, computer class, language room, library, Sherab Gatsel Ling administrative office, classrooms, and student hostels.
Following the inspection, Education Kalon proceeded to the school hall, where he addressed the teaching staff and students.
The programme commenced with opening remarks by Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Principal Tenzin Choedon, followed by addresses from Department of Education Secretary Karma Choeying and Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin.
Addressing the gathering, Department of Education Secretary Karma Choeying outlined the objectives of the Central Tibetan Administration’s Basic Education Policy (BEP), which seeks to nurture academically competent and morally responsible individuals rooted in Tibetan language, culture, and identity.
He also highlighted the increasingly critical situation inside Tibet, noting that the Chinese authorities continue to implement policies aimed at eroding Tibetan religion, culture, and language, including the enforcement of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. He said these measures pose a serious challenge to preserving the distinct identity of the Tibetan people. Against this backdrop, he stressed that safeguarding Tibetan language and cultural heritage through education remains one of the CTA’s highest priorities and urged students to cherish their mother tongue and uphold their cultural traditions and national identity.
In his keynote address, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin encouraged students and staff to understand the objectives of the BEP, describing it as the foundation of the Tibetan education system that promotes holistic education by integrating traditional Tibetan values with modern learning. He briefly traced the development of the policy, noting that it was formulated through extensive consultations and adopted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in September 2004 during the tenure of former Kalon Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining good health and personal hygiene, encouraging students to adopt healthy eating habits by choosing nutritious meals and fresh fruits over junk food. He noted that many health problems stem from poor dietary habits and urged students to take greater responsibility for their physical well-being.
Education Kalon also emphasised the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and identity in exile while upholding human values, moral ethics, and discipline. He encouraged students to respect their teachers and school staff, cultivate a spirit of public service, and approach their studies with critical thinking and a long-term perspective. He further urged students to develop a habit of reading by making full use of the school’s educational resources, particularly the Tibetan Language Laboratory and the library, to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their Tibetan language proficiency.
Before concluding his address, Education Kalon advised students to resolve problems while they are still manageable rather than allowing them to grow into larger challenges. He reaffirmed the value of education as the foundation for personal growth and future success, and offered words of encouragement to students who had recently fled Tibet, urging them to remain resilient, persevere in their studies, and never lose hope despite the hardships they had endured.
Throughout the inspection visit, Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin was accompanied by Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Director Tsering Dhondup, Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School Principal Tenzin Choedon, and Sherab Gatsel Lobling Headmistress Sonam Wangmo.
