Mundgod, Karnataka: The Department of Education jointly with Drepung Loseling Monastery are organising the TGTs Dialectic Workshop for middle school Tibetan and Science teachers.

The inaugural of the two-week workshop being held in Mundgod was attended by Abbot Geshe Lobsang Samten Rinpoche led teachers at the monastery, Tenzin Dorjee ( DOE’s Head of Academic Section), Geshe Ngawang Tsundue (Mentor for spiritual Teachers on Dialectics), and Ven Lobsang Gyatso (Asstt. Professor for Buddhist Philosophy/logic at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Varanasi)

Introducing the purpose and objective of the workshop, Department’s head of the traditional section Ngodup Tenpa said the workshop was the first of a kind to be received by the teachers of Tibetan schools following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s earnest suggestion for the appointment of philosophy teachers at schools. A total of 35 teachers from scattered schools in exile are participating in the workshop.

Head of Academic Section Tenzin Dorje explained the core purpose of the workshop which was to primarily develop and enhance the interests of children in Buddhist philosophy without simply imposing the subject upon them as another curriculum.

“In order to effectively adapt to the ways of 21st century, four key essential skills are required- communication/contact, unity,  logical/reasoning thinking, and innovation. These four essential skills are the basis of which the Basic Education Policy is drafted. This workshop does not necessarily be beneficial only to the present generation of Tibetan students but has the potential to change the lives of future generations as well, ” said Tenzin Dorjee.

Concurrently with the inaugural session, Abbot of Drepung Loseling unveiled a book authored by Ven Lobsang Gyatso. He spoke a few words explaining the significance of the workshop particularly its efficacy in transforming the children’s minds and their ability to think logically and constructively. Abbot Lobsang Samten further promised to extend whatever help and support required by the DOE in conducting such workshops in future.