Dharamshala: Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School celebrated the 85th Birth Anniversary of Former Kalon Tripa professor Samdhong Rinpoche on 5 November 2024, in the presence of Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra as the chief guest and Secretary Jigme Namgyal Namgyalkhang as guest of honour and Tsering Dhondup, Director of Smabhota Tibetan School.
Principal Lekshey Nyima delivered a welcoming speech and provided a brief overview of Rinpoche’s connection to the school.
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 more significant part of his involvement in the school’s inception, established under the 13th Kashag to provide holistic learning through the Basic Education Policy.
Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra provided a succinct account of Professor Samdhong Rinpoche’s exceptional contributions to Tibetan education, stating, “Rinpoche’s appointment as Principal of the Central School for Tibetans in Dalhousie at the age of 26 was unprecedented and remains a rare achievement that is unlikely to be repeated.” She further highlighted Rinpoche’s profound impact on the Tibetan community.
Kalon Changra reflected on Rinpoche’s significant legacy in Tibetan politics and administration. She recalled his role as Secretary in the private office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and underscored his pivotal contributions to the Tibetan polity. The chief guest also praised Rinpoche’s unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause, particularly his influential service as the former Kalon Tripa of the Central Tibetan Administration.
During the celebration, the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School students performed cultural dances, operas and songs to pay homage to Professor Samdong Rinpoche, who inaugurated the school in 2005. The Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour presented awards to the students.
Other distinguished guests were present at the 85th birthday celebration at school.
