Dharamshala: Education Kalon (Minister) Tharlam Dolma Changra successfully concluded her official tour of Tibetan schools and monastic institutions in the southern Tibetan settlements from 25 July to 31 July 2024.

Kalon Tharlam Doma Changra was accompanied by Tsering Dhondup, Director of Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS), and Tsering Yangkyi, Under Secretary of the Department of Education (DoE), CTA. The tour included visits to STS Bylakuppe, STS Gulledhalla, STS Kailashpura, STS Arlikumar, STS CVP Bylakuppe, STS Chowkur, and Pre-Primary Schools, as well as TCV Bylakuppe.

During her visits, Kalon participated in morning assemblies, observed student activities, and provided valuable advices, emphasising the importance of education, the dangers of smoking and substance abuse, and maintaining a healthy mind and body. She also observed classroom teaching and provided necessary guidance to both teachers and students. Kalon toured all departments and sections of the schools, including pre-primary sections, to assess facilities. In addition to her school visits, Kalon held separate meetings with parents, offering guidance on raising children and instilling good habits. She also met with school staff, discussing the roles of teachers and emphasising the importance of compassion and patience as essential qualities for educators.

On 26 July 2024, Kalon attended the 7th CTA Level Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition – 2024 as the Chief Guest. On 30 July 2024, Kalon attended the closing program of the Sera Jey International Summer School – 2024. The tour concluded with visits to monastic schools in Bylakuppe on 31 July, including Sera Je Secondary School, Sermey Thoesam School, Tashi Lhunpo Monastic School, and Namdroling Monastery. At Sera Je Secondary School, the school had arranged a separate talk for the teachers, and Kalon emphasised the various important roles that teachers play in the school and the need to work hard.

Earlier, on 24 July 2024, before arriving in Bylakuppe, the delegation led by the Education Kalon visited Sambhota Tibetan School in Gurupura and met with parents and school staff. In the afternoon, Kalon also visited Gyudmed Monastery’s School of Snowland Tibetan Studies and met with students undergoing the 11th six-month Intensive Course on Tibetan Language and Buddhist Studies, organised by the Department of Religion and Culture. Later, Kalon visited Dzongkar Choede Secondary School and observed classroom teaching.

Education Kalon returned safely to Dharamsala on 2 August 2024. This official visit underscores the commitment of the Department of Education, CTA, to enhance the quality of education and provide holistic development for students in Tibetan schools.