Ladakh: Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra’s visit to Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) Menlha and TCV Agling on 15 May 2024, was met with enthusiastic welcome by students and teachers alike. The Kalon was accompanied by the Chief Representative Officer of Ladakh, member of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the Director and Principal of TCV Ladakh, and Jangthang coordinator.

At TCV Menlha, Kalon observed students engaging in Everyday Practical Learning (EPL) activities, aimed at imparting crucial life skills. Demonstrations ranged from making butter tea to knitting, showcasing the practicality and effectiveness of the program. Kalon also toured classrooms, resource rooms, and the library, actively engaging with students and teachers to understand their educational experiences.

In celebration of Lhakar, students adorned traditional attire and presented traditional dances, adding a cultural flair to the Kalon’s visit. During the tour the challenges and needs of the schools were addressed to the Kalon.

The Kalon’s tour extended to TCV Ladakh, where she unveiled the logo for the school’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. Attended by the Chief Representative Officer of Ladakh, member of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the Director and Principal of TCV Ladakh, Jangthang coordinator, TCV Menlha head mistress, TCV Agling head master and teachers and staff, the launch marked a significant milestone for the institution.

After the logo launch ceremony, the Education Kalon addressed the students separately, delivering a poignant speech aimed at inspiring and guiding the young minds. Expressing heartfelt empathy, she reminded students of their privilege in studying at such esteemed institutions, urging them to maintain a sense of gratitude for the opportunities afforded to them.

The Kalon emphasised the importance of pride in Tibetan identity, urging students not to be disheartened by their exiled status but to cherish their heritage. She underscored the significance of preserving the Tibetan language as a lifeline of cultural heritage, urging students to uphold its purity by speaking clean Tibetan.

In a bid to empower students in their career choices, the Kalon stressed the need to prioritise personal capabilities over external influences. Highlighting the value of vocational training, she encouraged students to explore diverse career paths aligned with their individual strengths.

Furthermore, the Kalon emphasised the holistic development of students, emphasising the importance of enhancing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in unison. She urged Tibetan students to recognise their inherent potential and refrain from harbouring feelings of inferiority.

Ethical education was also a focal point of her address, with the Kalon stressing the equal importance of cultivating good ethics alongside academic pursuits. In a final note of care, she reminded students to prioritise their health and well-being.

The Kalon’s speech concluded with a question and answer session. 

During her discussion with the teachers, the Kalon underscored the pivotal role educators play in shaping students’ lives. She emphasised that teachers have the power to make a profound impact on their students, highlighting how a bad teacher can cause irreparable damage.

Furthermore, the Kalon reiterated the responsibility of teachers to impart Tibetan traditions and customs, emphasising the importance of promoting the use of Tibetan language among students. She stressed the need for teachers to continuously learn, adapt, and improve in order to provide the best possible education to their students.

Drawing from her extensive experience as both a teacher and a principal, the Kalon shared insights into overcoming challenges in the education sector. She emphasised the importance of honesty and impartiality among school principals, highlighting their role in creating a conducive learning environment for students.

The Kalon’s day concluded with the opening ceremony of the Practical Life Workshop for Pre-Primary Teachers, organised by the Department of Education (CTA) at TCV Ladakh. The opening ceremony was attended by Chief Representative Officer of Ladakh, member of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the Director and Principal of TCV Ladakh, Jangthang coordinator, Head of Pre-Primary Section, Resource Person Lhamo Pemba, DOE Academic staff Tenzin Yeshi and 21 pre-primary teachers from TCV Ladakh and its branches.