Dharamshala: Tibetan Children’s Village School (Upper TCV) marked its 65th Founding Anniversary with a grand celebration attended by hundreds of students, alumni, teachers, and staff. The momentous celebration was presided over by Kyabje Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche as its chief guest, alongside Officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra, Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Education, as its guest of honour.
Among the special guest, the celebration was attended by Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, Auditor General Tashi Topgyal, Standing Committee members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and the Secretaries from Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration.
Spectators swarmed along the edges of the school ground to watch the opening ceremony of the march past performed by the TCV students. Everyone stood and observed a minute of silence in remembrance and respect for the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan nation and people, followed by the singing of the national anthems of Tibet and India, accompanied by musical instruments.
Delivering her keynote address, Officiating Sikyong Changra Tharlam Dolma extended her greetings on the 65th anniversary. She praised TCV’s long-standing success and acknowledged the dedication of many individuals, particularly the leadership of His Holiness’ elder sister Tsering Dolma and younger sister Jetsun Pema. The Officiating Sikyong highlighted His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s far-sighted vision in establishing settlements, monasteries, and schools, which laid the foundation for the progress of Tibetans in exile. She also urged everyone to always remember His Holiness’ benevolent kindness. She further noted that this year is being observed as the Year of Compassion and encouraged everyone to practise greater kindness and compassion in their daily life.
Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, as the representative of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, delivered Tibetan Parliament’s message for the occasion.
Kyabje Ling Rinpoche expressed his heartfelt gratitude to TCV School and spoke about his own upbringing there before being recognised as the reincarnation of the previous Ling Rinpoche. Rinpoche also highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s noble vision in establishing the school to preserve and promote the Tibetan language and culture. Furthermore, Rinpoche reminded everyone of their responsibilities as Tibetans, particularly as members of the exile community, to uphold and fulfil the aspirations set forth by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The morning programme concluded with a callisthenics performance by the students for the audience, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by TCV Director Tsultrim Dorjee.
