Gajapati, Odisha: As part of her ongoing assessment tour of Tibetan schools in Central India, Kalon (Minister) Tharlam Dolma Changra of the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, arrived at Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement in Odisha on 3 November 2025, following her visit to Mainpat Phendeyling Tibetan Settlement.
Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar, the Education Kalon was received by Phuntsokling Settlement Officer Lodoe Sangpo and Principal of Sambhota Tibetan School, Chandragiri, Samdup Dorjee.
The next day, the Kalon visited Sambhota Tibetan School, Lobersing, where she addressed the students and commended the school administration for maintaining a clean and conducive learning environment. She emphasised that such an atmosphere is essential for fostering students’ interest in learning. During the visit, the Kalon presented awards to two students who were among the winners of the Department of Education’s essay competition. Accompanied by Headmaster Tenzin Rabyang, Kalon also inspected the Dekyi Ketsel Nursery and Crèche.
Later, the Kalon proceeded to Sambhota Tibetan School, Chandragiri, to assess the school’s administration, educational standards, and facilities. She then held a meeting with teachers from both schools, sharing insights from her own experience as a former teacher. The Kalon highlighted the vital role of educators in shaping future generations, stressing the importance of lifelong learning, diligence in assessing students’ work, and imparting students’ the traditional Tibetan values and ethics.
On 5 November, the Education Kalon attended the celebration of Tibetan Teachers’ Day at Sambhota Tibetan School, Chandragiri. The event was attended by teachers and students from both Tibetan schools in the settlement, as well as the Settlement Officer, parents’ committee members, and representatives from local Tibetan institutions and NGOs.
Following the reading of the official Tibetan Teachers’ Day message issued by the Education Kalon for all Tibetan schools, the contributions of former Kalon Tripa and Professor Samdong Rinpoche were introduced to the gathering.
In her keynote address, Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra paid tribute to Professor Samdong Rinpoche’s lifelong service to the Tibetan community — from beginning his teaching career at age 26 and serving as a Principal, to introducing the Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile, founding the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, and leading the Central Tibetan Administration as Kalon Tripa for two consecutive terms.
The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances by students.
In the afternoon, the Kalon held a meeting with parents, noting, “Today, we are celebrating the first Tibetan Teachers’ Day here in Odisha Phuntsokling Settlement. Tibetan schools across India and weekend schools overseas are also celebrating this day, marking a milestone in the history of Tibetan education.”
She urged parents to raise their children as responsible and compassionate individuals, guided by the noble teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
With this, the Education Kalon successfully concluded her assessment visits to Tibetan settlements in Central India.
