Tibetans celebrate their unique cultural identity

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 17

Tibet Week, a cultural extravaganza depicting the culture and heritage of Tibet, began at the Central School of Tibetans in Happy Valley, Mussoorie, today.

The inaugural ceremony started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp at the portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. School Principal Anita Narula and school Rector Ngodup Norbu lit the ceremonial lamp and offered traditional scarves on the portrait of the Dalai Lama.

The objective behind celebrating the Tibet Week is to reinforce and create awareness about the rich Tibetan culture among students.

The event is also being observed as a gesture to commemorate the 80th birth anniversary of the Dalai Lama.

Students, dressed in the Tibetan attire, presented several folk dance and song items to mark the beginning of the Tibet Week in the school. The highlight of the show was the traditional Tibetan Opera and synchronized group dance by junior girls. The students would also be participating in various declamation programmes, plays and cultural events as part of the celebrations.

Anita Narula congratulated the students for their efforts and inclination towards their culture. She also impressed upon all to learn various cultures to strengthen human values and ensure peaceful coexistence of global culture.

Ngodup Norbu stressed on the fact that even if the Tibetan community stayed in India, it needed to preserve its traditions and rich cultural heritage and protect its identity. Tashi Dorjee, Thakchoe Tsering and Reverend Lobsang Samten were the coordinating teachers. Students of class XI, namely Ngwang Dolma, Tashi, Dolma, Dhoundup, Passang and Rinzin would be the organising members for the week.

Migmar Tsering Sherpa and Bhajan Kandari of class XI were the reporters for the whole function, being held under the supervision of Thakchoe Tsering (PGT).