Dharamshala: Under the leadership and guidance of the Department of Education, the second leg of Inter-School Literary and Cultural Meet for the Northeast and South Cluster began on 6th October, 2023 at STS Kalimpong and STS Bylakuppe, respectively.

Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal presided over the inauguration of the Inter-School Literary and Cultural Meet as the Chief Guest in Kalimpong alongside Kalimpong Tibetan Settlement Officer, Principal of STS Darjeeling, and other invited guests.

The Education Secretary said the event was made possible because of the Department’s prioritization of restoring the tradition of literary and cultural events through reflection, discussion, and financial assistance from funders. He emphasized that the core objectives behind organizing this event were to improve literary skills and to promote a sense of collaboration. He spoke of the department’s compliance with the philosophies of the Basic Education Policy and the commitment to fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared learning rather than competition. In his address to the students, he implored them to broaden their horizons of knowledge and skill through participation in extra-curricular activities such as excursions, debates, cultural activities, exhibitions, etc. He further emphasized the need to analyze what is being taught by teachers in the classroom, critically examine the text by reading various books, and inculcate research skills from an early age.   He also reminded the older generation, teachers, and parents of the additional responsibility of inculcating Tibetan identity and patriotism among their children, carrying forward the responsibility of the Tibetan struggle, and the importance of moral values in life.

The Inter-School Literary and Cultural Meet for the South cluster was held at Sambhota Tibetan School, Bylakuppe. The chief guest of the event was the Director of Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society, Mr. Tsering Dhondup. The chief guest in his address, spoke about the importance of fostering collaboration and cooperation in such events as opposed to regarding them as a competition. “If you wish to compete, compete with yourself and not others. Compete with yourself to become better than you were yesterday”, he said in his advice to the students.

On the first day, Debates and Poetry Recitations in English and Tibetan were held and on the second day, One-Act Play, Duet, and Cultural performances will be held.

This year’s Inter-School Literary and Cultural Meet was organized across four clusters in India namely Dharamshala, Dehradun, Northeast, and South. Around 605 students from 27 schools participated in the event funded by Global Affairs Canada through Alinea International.