Dharamshala: Tibet House, Delhi, recently marked the 35th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with an inspiring event that brought together dignitaries, scholars, and supporters to reflect on the theme of Universal Ethics.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Education Minister (Kalon) Tharlam Dolma Changra of the Central Tibetan Administration, who was invited as the Chief Guest. The event also featured notable Guests of Honor, including Shri Abhijit Haldar, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, and Prof. Amar Jiva Lochan, Dean of Foreign Students at Delhi University.
The event began with a heartfelt tribute in the form of the Nobel Peace Prize Song, performed by the talented students of TCV Samyeling Day School, dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This performance set a reverent tone for the gathering and underscored the significance of the occasion.
In her keynote address, Hon. Tharlam Dolma Changra expressed her deep gratitude to Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, for organising the panel discussion on Universal Ethics, describing it as a fitting homage to His Holiness’ remarkable legacy. She emphasised the importance of the “three Hs”—Heart, Head, and Hand—as fundamental elements for holistic education. These principles, she noted, are essential for nurturing the human values that are central to His Holiness’ teachings.
She also highlighted the contributions of Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, former Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) of the Central Tibetan Administration, who, in 2005, introduced the Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile. This visionary policy prioritises the cultivation of inner human values, reflecting the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
A key focus of her speech was the Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning program, which equips both teachers and students with the tools needed to cultivate compassion, resilience, and ethical awareness. While acknowledging the importance of theoretical discussions on SEE Learning, she emphasised that true impact arises through its practical application in daily life.
In closing, the Chief Guest urged all attendees to make the commemoration of the Nobel Peace Prize Day meaningful by committing to embody the values promoted by His Holiness. She called on everyone to become messengers and torchbearers of His Holiness’s vision, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for building a more peaceful, compassionate world.
Following the keynote address, certificates were presented to graduates of the Nalanda Diploma Course (4th Batch), the Certificate Course (2nd Batch), and the Tibetan Language Course (27th Batch). This moment of recognition underscored Tibet House’s commitment to education and intellectual growth within the Tibetan community.
Additionally, the Publication Department of Tibet House announced the launch of three significant publications:
- Tracing the Footprints of Je Tsongkhapa, an illustrated biography by Tibetan scholar Chukyi Gedun Palsang.
- Research Paper Collections of the Conference on Theravada and Mahayana, a collection of academic papers presented by eminent scholars from the Pali and Sanskrit traditions.
- A Special Edition of the News Bulletin detailing Tibet House’s activities from April 2022 to December 2024.
The department also unveiled the winners of the Tibetan-language research paper competition, to be featured in the 12th edition of Zamatog Journal. Furthermore, Tibet House announced the completion of paper submissions by three scholars as part of its prestigious academic initiatives, including the Thonmi Sambhota Scholarship and the Sambhota Book Series.
The Thonmi Sambhota Scholarship has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence, with Pema Dorjee being the first recipient for his pioneering research on ‘The Stupa and Its Technology: A Tibeto-Buddhist Perspective.’ To date, 22 volumes have been published under this initiative, garnering strong support from the academic community. Between 2021 and 2023, three new scholarships were awarded, and the scholars are now preparing their final papers, which will soon be published as part of the Sambhota Series.
The highlight of the event was a profoundly insightful panel discussion on Universal Ethics chaired by Ven. Prof. Kaveri Gill of Shiv Nadar University. The panellists included Dr Nivedita Chalill, founder of ARTH: Counselling and Arts-Based Therapy, who shared her reflections on the practical application of Buddhist psychology; Dr Bharati Puri, Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Delhi, who explored the intersection of ecology and ethics; and Dr Nilza Wangmo, Visiting Faculty at the IGNCA, Ministry of Culture, who offered perspectives on universal ethics as inspired by the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The panel discussion was a resounding success, offering a vibrant platform to explore various dimensions of universal ethics, including its relevance to secularism, psychology, and environmental ethics. The speakers shared valuable insights resonating with the attendees, sparking thought-provoking conversations on integrating ethical principles into contemporary global issues.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Tenzin Kunkyap, Secretary of Tibet House, who expressed gratitude to all attendees, dignitaries, and speakers for their contributions. The day left a lasting impact, reinforcing the timeless vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama while providing practical guidance on how to live according to the universal values he espouses.
