Kalon Visits Nepal
Education Minister Kalon Thupten Lungrig paid an official visit to Nepal
from November 26 to December 7. He was accompanied by Education Secretary
Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok. They were warmly received by the Representative,
Office of Tibet, Nepal, education officer and presidents of local assembly,
freedom movement, youth congress and women's association. The dignitories
visited Tibetan schools at Kathmandu and Pokhara and addressed the students
and staff members. Besides, they also addressed the community members
living in the Tibetan settlements in the region and visited handicraft
centers and homes for old people. Go
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Tibetan Language Evaluation
Team Visit Schools
Department of Education (DOE) constituted a three-member Tibetan language
teaching and learning assessment committee headed by Mr. Gedun Jinpa,
ex-teacher CTSA & member ATPD and with Mr. Jampa Choedak, ex-teacher
CTSA and Mr. Ngawang Lobsang, Research Officer, TCV EDRC as members. They
visited few selected schools viz. Central School for Tibetans (CST), Mundgod
and CST Camp 6 Mundgod in the south and Tibetan Homes Foundation (THF),
Mussoorie, Sambhota Tibetan School, Dekyiling, CST Dalhousie and TCV Dharamsala
in the north from September 27 to October 30 and conducted a detail study
on the existing standard of Tibetan language instruction and learning
in the schools. This evaluation study was in follow-up to resolutions
passed at the fourth General Conference on Tibetan Education held in January
2003. Go top
Tendrel Lecture in Schools
As per the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tarab Tulku Rinpoche
delivered a series of lectures on Tendrel in Tibetan schools and
institutes located in and around Dharamsala and at schools in Mussoorie,
Rajpur and Paonta Sahib from October 6-29. Lectures were also arranged
for Tibetan students studying in the colleges in Delhi and Chandigarh.
Question-answer sessions were held after each lecture. Tendrel
meaning 'interdependent origination' is basic to Tibetan Buddhist knowledge
and wisdom and contains the understanding of the inter-determinate nature
of all that exists. Tarab Tulku Rinpoche, a Geshe Lharampa, is the founder
of the Tarab Institute and based in Denmark. Go
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Gadhen Phodrang Student Merit Award 2003
This year's toppers in Science, Humanities and Commerce streams from
amongst the Tibetan schools who appeared in the All India Senior Secondary
Certificate Examination held in March 2003 have been awarded the Gadhen
Phodrang Student Merit Award and prize money of Rs.5000/- each on December
10 in Dharamsala during the anniversary celebration commemorating the
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The award recipients
were Tenzin Wangdu from CST Mundgod for Science, Jampa Dolma from CST
Bylakuppe for Humanities and Konchok Sangpo from SOS TCV Bylakuppe for
Commerce. Go top
New Section in DOE
A Traditional Education Section was created in the Department of Education
and was inaugurated by Honorable Kalon Thupten Lungrig, Minister of Education,
CTA on November 1.The new section will focus on promoting the study of
Tibetan language and culture in the schools and in the exile community.
The section will mainly look after works related to Tibetan textbooks,
assess the teaching, review and evaluate the standard of Tibetan language
and dialectic studies in the schools. Mr. Tashi Dhondup, Joint Secretary
will head the new Section and will be assisted by Mr. Tsering Samdup,
Education Officer and Mr. Chung Tsering, Research Officer. Go
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Refresher Course for PETs
A twenty-one day Intensive Refresher Course for Physical Education Teachers
sponsored by the Department of Education commenced on December 29 at the
Laxmibhai National Institute of Physical Education (Deemed University),
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Twenty-six teachers from 18 Tibetan schools under
TCV, STSA, THF, TNMF and SLF, Nepal attended the course. The Vice Chancellor
of LNIPE Prof. K.K.Verma, Course In-charge Prof. Jasraj Singh, Director,
UGC Academic Staff College, LNIPE and Mr. Tashi N. Rikha, Joint Secretary,
DOE addressed the participants during the inaugural function. The courses
will cover organisational aspect of tournaments and championship, latest
changes in rules and law, contemporary training methods and construction
and maintenance of play fields/grounds. Participants will also be introduced
to the use of information technology and research in physical education
and sports. The training will conclude on January 18, 2004. Go
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Primary Teacher Training Conclude
The 7th batch of trainees completed the 2-year Primary School Teacher
training course at TCV Teacher Training Centre, Dharamsala. The Education
Secretary was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function held on December
18. Eighteen trainees successfully completed the course. Twelve secured
first division and the rest second division. Go
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CTSA News
- To mark its 43rd years of existence, this year the Central Tibetan
Schools Administration (CTSA), Delhi celebrated its Foundation Day on
November 8 at CST Mussoorie. Shri S.P. Gaur, Joint Secretary (SE), Department
of Secondary & Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development,
Govt. of India was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Besides, colourful
cultural programme presented by the students, a special exhibition on
various subject areas viz. Science, Social Science, Drawing, Art & Craft
etc. was organised. The efforts of the children were appreciated by
one and all.
- CBSE has approved to consider CTSA as a separate category at par with Government, Govt. aided, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangsthan & Navodiya Vidyalaya Sangsthan schools for examination purposes.
- 3. A content and skill based Inservice Training Course is conducted for 45 Trained Graduate Teachers (Humanities) of CTSA schools at CTSA Headquarters from December 23, 2003 to January 1, 2004.
- 4. The students of CST Dalhousie, after securing 1st position at State level, participated in a National level Group Song Competition held at Varanasi , U.P. and secured second position. Go
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Inspection of Schools
The annual inspection for CST Gothangaon was conducted from November
25-26 by Mr. Tsering Phuntsok, Education Officer DOE and Mr. S.P. Rana,
Deputy Education Officer CTSA. The panel members met with students, parents
and teachers and shared the observations made during the inspection for
further improvement. This middle school has 122 students including pre-primary
section and 17 staff in the current session. Mr. Tsering Phuntsok also
conducted a surprise inspection to Tibetan School at Majnu-ka-tilla, Delhi
along with Mr. Kalsang Dorjee, Education Officer, Bureau of His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, New Delhi. Go
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US Embassy Exchanges Officer Visit DOE
Ms. Kerri S. Hannan, the new Exchanges Officer in the American Embassy,
New Delhi visited Dharamsala from November 21-24. During her stay, she
met with DOE officials and High Level Scholarship Committee members. She
was accompanied by Mrs. Geetha Rajagopal, Cultural Affairs Assistant-Exchanges.
They also participated in the two-day annual conference of Tibetan Fulbright
Alumni Association (TFAA) members held on November 22-23 at Gangchen Kyishong,
that was briefly attended by the Education Secretary, CTA. During the
conference, new executive members of the TFAA Central Coordinating Committee
were elected. A Fulbright alumni Mr. Pema Dhundup, a fine arts major,
presented a preview of his directorial debut feature film 'We're No Monks'
the first ever Indo-Tibetan film project, during the conference. Go
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Counseling Programme in Schools
The DOE Counselors, Ms Donkar Wangmo and Mr. Kalsang Tsewang jointly
visited schools at CST Dalhousie from October 12-22 and CST Herbertpur
& CST Paonta Sahib from November 13-December 3. Ms. Donkar Wangmo
visited CST Chauntra & STS Bhuntar from October 26-November 4. During
their visit, the counselors conducted classroom guidance to all students
from Class VI to XII. They covered topics on self-understanding, goal
setting, interpersonal relationship skills, time management, problem solving
& decision making skills, building self-esteem, transition, career
awareness and options after Class X & XII and DOE scholarships. Aptitude
test and individual counseling were also given. They discussed with the
teacher counselors on the implementation of Minimum Guidance Programme
prepared by DOE.
At the request of the Principal, Sainik School, a renowned residential
school run by the Ministry of Defence (Govt. of India) for preparing cadets
for National Defence Academy (NDA) located at Sujanpur Tira, Himachal
Pradesh, Counselor Mr. Kalsang Tsewang conducted intensive counseling
sessions to teachers and students at the school from November 3-8. Go
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Annual Service Award for School Staff 2003
The service award for the year 2003 conferred by the Department of Education,
CTA to 42 school teachers and staff who have completed 25 years of service
are as follows:-
THF Mussoorie: Dolma Tsering, Sonam Paldon & Tsering Dekyi
CST Kalimpong: Nyendak.
CST Bylakuppe: Tharlam Dolma, Kalsang Phuntsok, A.A. Bhayanan, K.H. Rao,
D.N.P. Rao, Palnam & W. Tsering.
SOS HGS Pokhara: Lhundup Choedak
& Tsering Dhondup.
TNMF Clementown: Shakuntala Singh.
CST Mundgod:
R.S. Dwarkanath, Topgyal & Thinlay.
CVP Bylakuppe: A.S. Vasanth &
Norlha Tsering.
TCV Ladakh: Yugyal Dolma & Palden Tsering.
Lower TCV
Dharamsala: Tsering Palmo.
TCV Bylakuppe: Tsering Dolma.
TCV Mcleod Ganj:
Tsering Yangkyi.
TCV Dharamsala: Tsetan Namgyal, Woeser Dakpa & Londhen.
TCV Chauntra: Sonam Dhondup.
CST Dalhousie: A.D. Singh, Usha Chona, T.
Dolma, T.R. Nagvanshi, Chhinju Ram, Karam Chand &Tsering Youdon.
CST
Darjeeling: Wangchuk, Jigme Urgyen, Pema Wangmo, Yangmo Tsering &
Youlo Dolma.
CST Kollegal: Putta Madhappa Mahadevappa.
NHSS Kathmandu:
Wangdu Phuntsok.
The award recipients were presented with a service certificate and a
traditional Tibetan Thanka as a gesture of appreciation on behalf of all
the Tibetan students.
Result of Annual Tibetan Essay Competition, 2003
This year's annual Tibetan essay competition was held on September 4,
2003 for the students of Class VI to XII in schools in India and Nepal.
The first three position holders in each class category will be awarded
cash prizes and certificates. The winners are as given below:
| Category |
Position |
Name of Students |
Name of Schools |
| Class XII |
1st
2nd
3rd
|
Sonam Dorjee
Tenzin Dolkar
Tenzin Tsunmey |
THF Mussoorie
CST Mundgod
CST Dalhousie |
| Class XI |
1st
2nd
3rd |
Dhondup
Passang Tenzin
Jamyang Phuntsok |
TCV Gopalpur
Upper TCV Dharamsala
CST Mussoorie |
| Class X |
1st
1st
2nd
2nd
3rd
3rd |
Sonam Sangpo
Jampa Tashi
Namgyal Tashi
Tenzin Jamyang
Tenzin Norbu
Penpa Dolma |
Upper TCV Dharamsala
CST Dalhousie
SOS Bylakuppe
Lower TCV Dharamsala
TCV Gopalpur
TNMF Clementown |
| Class IX |
1st
2nd
3rd |
Thinley Sangpo
Nyima Drugdak
Lhundup Dorjee |
TCV Suja
CST Dholanji
Sera Je Bylakuppe |
| Class VIII |
1st
2nd
2nd
3rd |
Lobsang Chodak
Sangye Chodon
Zumchung Tashi
Ngawang Paljor |
Sera Je Bylakuppe
CST Tezu
TCV Suja
TCV Gopalpur |
| Class VII |
1st
2nd
3rd |
Sonam Yarphel
Dawa Goekey
Tsewang Norbu |
CST Mainpat
TCV Gopalpur
Lekshad Tsal Nepal |
| Class VI |
1st
2nd
3rd
3rd |
Tsering Namgyal
Tenzin Choeku
Megoe Tamdin
Jigmey Norbu |
TCV Suja
TCV Patilkhul
Upper TCV Dharamsala
THF Mussoorie |
Central School for Tibetans, Darjeeling
The school is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal State, one of the most
beautiful hill stations of India from where the majestic peak of Kanchen
Junga is distinctly visible on one side, and the lofty Mount Everest on
the other. Established in 1961, it was initially called Tibetan Refugee
School and is one of the oldest Tibetan schools under the Central Tibetan
Schools Administration, Delhi. Since then, thousands of students have
passed from this school, many of whom are holding very responsible positions
in the Tibetan Community. The school is affiliated to the Central Board
of Secondary Education, Delhi and has grades from pre-primary to XII with
Humanities and Commerce streams at the higher secondary level. There are
465 students currently enrolled in the school and teacher/staff strength
of 46. A majority of the students live in residential hostels for boys
and girls inside the school campus. On December 4, this year, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama visited the school and blessed the school, staff members
and the children.
The school infrastructure mainly comprises of six buildings housing classrooms,
hostels, library, junior and senior science laboratories, dispensary,
multi-purpose hall, administrative block, kitchen and staff quarters.
In-addition, there are separate laboratories for geography, math, language
and facilities for games and sports, dance and music, counseling and guidance,
computers, resource center and a minimum learning level center. In order
to improve academic performance, special attention has been given to frequent
testing, class room teaching observations, remedial teachings, self-study
sessions, etc. The school conducts sports and cultural activities regularly.
This year the school stood first position in the inter- school Manjushree
Cultural Competition. Dr. A.K. Gupta is currently the Principal of the
school and Mr. Sangpo Rinzin the school Rector. Go
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Scholarship News
The Department of Education conducted the selection test in New Delhi
from November 14-17 for the Richardson Foundation Scholarship to undergo
four-year degree course in the United Kingdom. Mr. Samdup Tenzin, a former
student of Central School for Tibetans, Mussoorie and currently pursuing
Bachelor's degree in Physics (Hons) at Delhi University was selected.
He will leave for U.K. in 2004.
Ms. Namgyal Wangmo has been selected for scholarship to pursue study
at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand to undergo a master's
degree in natural resources management. Presently, she is working as
a teacher at Tibetan Homes School, Mussoorie.
The Foundation for Universal Responsibility (FUR) of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama, New Delhi with financial assistance from The Ford Foundation
will be awarding at least one scholarship to eligible Tibetan students
to undergo study in higher technical and professional education in reputed
institutions viz. IIT, IIMs, AIIMs, etc. FUR will be providing coaching
for ten Tibetan students for at least three months for preparation in
the entrance examination of respective institutes. The main objectives
of this scholarship is to provide opportunity for the Tibetan students
to study in the prestigious institutions of higher learning in India
and thereby, to help fulfill the need for highly qualified human resource
in the Tibetan community. The announcement was made in October in the
Tibetan periodicals and through Settlement Officers.
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Publication News
Gesar story for children series, 'Horse Race' episode will soon go for printing along with a colourful storybook titled 'The Forgetful Pig'.
As requested earlier in the autumn 2003 issue of Sherig News, we would like
to remind here again to send your valuable suggestion for the improvement
of the 'New English-Tibetan Dictionary', which is being reviewed. Go
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Project News
Inauguration of Dining hall: The newly completed Dining Hall at the
Sherab Gatsel Lobling (Tibetan Transit School) was inaugurated on November
14, 2003 by the Education Secretary Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok after it was
fully furnished with the funding from EU through Tibet House Trust, London.
The dining hall has a capacity of around 650 students. On the same day a
new dining hall for staff members funded by Mr. George Gerster of Switzerland
was also inaugurated.
Overhead Water Tank Project: With the recent increase in construction
projects, there was need for more water supply to the TTS Complex. An
overhead water tank project has been started with the help of funding
primarily from Tibet Help, Denmark and donations from Save Tibet, Austria.
This project with a storage capacity of 1,00,000 litres at a staging height
of 16.76 meters will supply clean drinking water to every unit in the
school complex. The DOE and the TTS are grateful to all the donors.
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