Dharamshala: Kalon (Minister) Tharlam Dolma Changra of the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, graced the 27th Founding Anniversary of the College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS), Sarah, as the chief guest earlier today. The occasion also marked the graduation ceremony of the 3rd batch of the college’s linguistic class.
Geshe Samten Gyatso, Director of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD); Sonam Palden, Director of the Lha Charitable Trust; and Passang Tsering, Principal of CHTS (Sarah), along with faculty members and students, also attended this joint event.
Following a ceremonial offering of a lamp before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the chief guest, Principal Passang Tsering delivered the opening remarks. He detailed the establishment of CHTS and introduced its academic curriculum, designed for the preservation and promotion of Tibetan linguistic and religious heritage. “This institution has thus far produced numerous graduates who are currently serving in various capacities across institutions of the exile Tibetan community, including many within the Central Tibetan Administration,” he said. However, he also highlighted the challenges posed by demographic shifts within the exile Tibetan population, which have affected annual enrolment at Tibetan schools and colleges, including CHTS. As a result, the college faces several financial hurdles. Despite these, he emphasised that CHTS continues to operate in alignment with its founding objectives.
In his address, IBD Director Geshe Samten Gyatso spoke about the responsibilities of Tibetan students, as well as students from Himalayan regions and foreign countries. He also conferred academic excellence awards to the best-performing students of the 2024–25 academic year. Similarly, Director Sonam Palden presented khatags to 14 students who received supplementary support as a gesture of gratitude from the Lha Charitable Trust to Kalon Trisur Professor Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche. He expressed appreciation to the students for their interest in studying the Tibetan language, religion, and history.
The event also featured the conferral of the title of Emeritus Professor to Professor Sonam Gyaltsen, former Tibetan Parliamentarian, and the titles of Professor and Senior Lecturer to senior linguistic lecturer Ven. Penpa and junior linguistic lecturer Ven. Passang Gyaltsen, respectively. These honours were presented by Chief Guest Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra.
In her keynote address, Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra emphasised that the Tibetan language is vital for safeguarding and promoting Tibet’s religion and culture. She noted that while the Chinese Communist government persistently enacts policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan religion, culture, language, and identity within Tibet, students living in free countries must take the lead in preserving Tibet’s unique heritage. She expressed deep gratitude to CHTS for its steadfast commitment to these responsibilities.
On the broader approach to preserving and promoting Tibet’s religious and cultural legacy, Education Kalon stressed that mastering the Tibetan language remains a top priority. Quoting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching that “language is the lifeline of a people,” she acknowledged His Holiness’ enduring guidance in nurturing a resilient and unparalleled exile community. The Kalon also conveyed sincere thanks to the Lha Charitable Trust for its support in supplementing student scholarships this year.
In conclusion, the Education Kalon offered guidance to both teachers and students, encouraging educators to adopt diverse teaching methods and urging students to approach their studies with joy and enthusiasm.
