Dharamshala: Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School celebrated the 83rd Birth Anniversary of Former Kalon Tripa professor Samdhong
Rinpoche earlier this morning, on 5 October 2022, in the presence of Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra as the chief guest.
The school’s students, teachers and staff chanted a long-live prayer for the Rinpoche’s well-being. The students also dedicated a song in honour of Rinpoche for his tremendous contribution to the exiled Tibetan community, particularly a greater part of his involvement in the school’s inception, which was established under the 13th Kashag with an objective to provide holistic learning through the Basic Education Policy
The school’s principal, Lekshay Nyima, spoke about ensuring the school’s efforts in preserving the Tibetan language and traditions while acknowledging gratitude to the current Kashag and Sherab Gatsel school (Sogar Lopta) for providing requisite support and facilities.
Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra succinctly gave an account of Prof. Samdong Rinpoche’s immense contributions toward Tibetan education, saying, “Rinpoche’s designation as the Principal of Central School for Tibetans, Dalhousie, just at the age of 26 was extraordinary that has never happened before and will probably never happen again”. She further spoke about the glory and legacy that Rinpoche has achieved for the Tibetan community through his appointment as the President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), a robust academic group of more than 250 Vice-Chancellors of Indian Universities.
Apart from these, the chief guest also lauded Rinpoche’s dedicated services for the Tibet cause mentioning each significant role that Rinpoche has played in the Central Tibetan Administration as a former Kalon Tripa.
During the celebration, students of the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School performed cultural dances, opera and songs to pay homage to professor Samdong Rinpoche, who inaugurated the school in 2005.
Other dignitaries present at the event were, Tsering Dhondup Drongpa, the incumbent Director of Sambhota Tibetan School’s Society (STSS), Kunchok Migmar, the Tibetan Settlement Officer of Dharamshala, and senior officials from the Education Department.