Dharamshala: Earlier this morning, the 66th Founding Anniversary of Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Upper TCV, was celebrated on 23 October 2026 at the school’s football ground under the theme “Preserving Tibetan Culture and Identity.”
The celebration was graced by the 7th Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche as the chief guest, with Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering attending as guests of honour. Also present were Department of Home Kalon (Minister) Palden Dhondup, Department of Health Kalon Pema Tso, secretaries, parliamentarians, and students, alumni, teachers, and staff members.
The proceedings commenced with a minute of mourning to honour the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause and to remember those affected by the last night earthquake in Nagchu, Tibet. The gathering then joined in singing the Tibetan and Indian national anthems.
TCV Director Sonam Sichoe delivered the welcome address and presented the school’s annual reports on administration and academics.
In his initial address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed concern over the reported 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Nagchu and other parts of Tibet, offering prayers for the safety and well-being of those affected.
He also reflected on the early years of Upper TCV, highlighting the leadership and dedicated care of Tsering Dolma Takla, the elder sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He expressed his appreciation for the hard work and contributions of the elders, former administrators, and staff members, along with long time sponsors whose whose efforts played an most important role in shaping the institution and its legacy.
Sikyong further expressed serious concern over the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) implementation of the so-called “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress”, as a threat to the survival of the Tibetan language, identity, and culture for future generations. He outlined the Kashag’s directives and the domestic and international measures undertaken to counter the law. He also highlighted the global appeal and the launch of Tibetan National Identity Preservation Week, to be observed annually during the fourth week of September, in response to Article 56 of the new PRC law.
Emphasising the responsibility of parents and the Tibetan community as a whole, Sikyong called for greater collective efforts to preserve and promote the Tibetan language and culture. He stressed that Tibetans living in exile bear a particular responsibility to safeguard own linguistic and cultural heritage, especially amid increasing restrictions on the use of the Tibetan language in Tibet. Noting that Tibetans live across more than 28 countries worldwide, he underscored the importance of ensuring that the Tibetan language and culture are passed on to younger generations.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the 91 Tibetan weekend and day schools operating abroad and expressed his appreciation to their teachers and staff for their continued dedication to educating younger generations and preserving Tibetan identity. Concluding his address, Sikyong called upon Tibetans worldwide to work collectively to safeguard the Tibetan language, culture, and national identity for future generations.
Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, representing the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, delivered the Tibetan Parliament’s message for the occasion.
Following the addresses, chief guest 7th Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche spoke about the hardships faced by Tibetans who came into exile. He expressed gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his far-sighted vision in establishing schools, monasteries, and Tibetan settlements with the support of the Government of India, enabling Tibetans in exile to preserve their language, culture, and identity.
Rinpoche further emphasised that the annual founding anniversary of TCV serves as an important occasion to remember and express gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his vision, guidance, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and education of Tibetan children. The 66th anniversary, he noted, provides an opportunity to reflect on His Holiness’s enduring vision and message. Highlighting the importance of education in shaping individuals and society, Rinpoche stressed that good moral values and honesty form the foundation of a sound education. He also acknowledged the vital roles of parents, teachers, and school housemothers in nurturing children from an early age, instilling good habits, and providing proper guidance to help them grow into responsible individuals.
Rinpoche further emphasised the importance of speaking and using the Tibetan language in daily life as a crucial means of preserving Tibetan identity, culture, and heritage. Reminding the gathering that Tibetans were forced into exile due to repression and restrictions in Tibet, he underscored the responsibility of Tibetans in exile to safeguard their language and pass it on to younger generations. He also reminded the gathering of the primary objectives of living in exile, stressing the importance of remaining committed to preserving Tibetan language, culture, and identity while upholding the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
Concluding his address, Rinpoche highlighted the importance of environmental protection and conservation, particularly in light of natural disasters affecting Tibet and Nepal. He stressed the need to raise environmental awareness, promote environmental education, and encourage sustainable practices to protect the natural environment for future generations.
The celebration also recognised the dedication and achievements of the school community. Twenty-one TCV staff members received awards in recognition of 20 years of service, while five academic excellence awards were presented. The Department of Education’s Best Boy and Best Girl awards were also presented to Tenzin Rinchen and Lobsang Yangchen, respectively.
The morning session concluded with a calisthenics display dedicated to offering long-life prayers for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by TCV School Director Tsultrim Dorjee.
The afternoon programme includes an exhibition titled “Tibet: Our Country,” presented by TCV schools, followed by cultural performances at the school’s basketball ground. The second day of the celebration will feature an inter-house athletics march-past, marking the commencement of the inter-house athletic meet.
