UTCV Class VI to VIII Tibetan Elocution Contest 2018

Inter Class Tibetan Elocution Contest for class VI to VIII took place on 11 July 2018 at Herman Gmeiner Hall at around 7 p.m. in the evening.

The contest consists of three different categories .i,e. Class VI poetry recitation, class VII speech delivery  and class VIII will perform any dramatic enactment. It is an annual feature and many students participated in it. Since each class has to select and send two to three representatives they have to undergo lot of preliminary contest in their respective classes. Once the respective classes finish their selection, they had to face audition test before the Tibetan teachers who will finally select and train the best four students from each category for the grand finale. The students with best reading skill and fluent in Tibetan language were selected as Chairperson to host the evening contest.

Miss Tenzin Dechen from VIII D who was the Chairperson of the contest welcomed the Chief Guest Mr. Dorjee, the Assistant Head Master of the Senior School. The contest began with poetry recitation followed by speech delivery and dramatic enactment. The judges had tough time to assess them as all the participant from three different categories did very well to outdo each other with their terrific performances. Anyway, the first prize from Poetry Recitation Category went to Miss Tenzin Choezom from VI D whereas from speech category it was none other than Miss Tsering Dolkar from VII D who got first prize. We saw stiff competition amongst the participants from dramatic enactment but by virtue of better script, confidence, and execution, the prize was finally shared between Miss Sangay Choezom and Mr Pema Namgya lfrom VIII D.

Besides giving handsome prizes and certificates to the winners, a participation certificate and consolation prizes were also given to all the participants including the Chairperson. In nut shell, the contest was stiff and it was worth watching as every participant took it very seriously and executed very well. The respective class teachers and the concern Tibetan teachers deserve equal credit for working so hard and for setting the standard higher.

Choephel (Mr.)

Observation of International Yoga Day at UTCV School

To mark International Yoga Day, Yoga events were observed and held all across the country.  To India’s credit, India had lobbied hard to promote Yoga in the United Nations General Assembly. As a result, UN General Assembly in December 2014 had officially declared that June 21 would be observed as International Day of Yoga every year. PM Modi on his twitter message said that Yoga is a “passport to health assurance and not just a set of exercises that keeps the body fit. He urged people around the world to make Yoga a part of their lives”.

To mark this year as “Thank You India Year”  and to observe International Yoga Day, about 175 Yoga enthusiast from grade VIII and VII from our school participated in mega Yoga event being organized by Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration in coordination with various NGOs  at the main temple here at Mcleodganj, Dharamshala. The event was attended by many dignitaries both Indian and Tibetans along with scores of yoga enthusiast from different schools and general public.

To add color and vibrancy to the Yoga event, the school rolled out many colorful yoga mats on the school Basket Ball Court at 7. 30 a.m and the entire students from grade IX to XII, with a total number of 430 students were seen donning white T-shirt with ‘Thank You India’ logo at the back. They showcased various yoga exercise for an hour under the watchful eyes of the school PET Mr. Tenzin Kunga. The entire students  from K-12 and the  staff members of the school assembled at the school Basket Ball Ground to witness the said colorful event. Mt Tenzin Kunga stole the whole show by his wonderful yoga display and at the same time was seen explaining the details of each exercise and it relevant benefits.

Mrs. Ngawang Lhamo, the Principal of the school proposed a vote of thanks and lauded all the students of class IX to XII and particularly Mr. Tenzin Kunga, PET Senior School for putting up a wonderful show despite being new to this school and having very limited time at his disposal. In nut shell, the event proved very befitting in paying tribute to India (as part of Thank you India Year) and to create awareness about make in India (Yoga)tradition of India.

Introductory DharmaTeachings to the Tibetan Students by HH The Dalai Lama

The school remained closed for ten days from 1st June to 10 June 2018 due to the School Summer Holiday. However, the students from class IX to XII were detained from 6th to 8th June to attend to the Introductory Dharma Teaching by HH The Dalai Lama at the main temple here in Dharamshala. It is an annual teaching by HH The Dalai Lama for Tibetan youth who are studying in various academic institution around the world. More than nine thousand Tibetan students as well as devotees attended the event at the Tsuklakhang temple here. It was jointly sponsored and organized by TCV and Introductory to Buddhist Teaching Association. It was held for three days from June 6th to June 8th.

HH The Dalai Lama taught the ‘Shantideva’s A guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of life’( TibChodjug) to the congregation. The ten chapters Chodjug teaching is a text written in 700 Adby the great Indian Nalanda Buddhist scholar Shantideva, popularly known as Gyalsey Shewalha.

“The Introductory to Buddhism” teaching for Tibetan youths in schools and colleges is an initiative that traces back its origin almost decades ago. It has now become an annual feature in our school calendar and it is one of the most looked forward event in our school program.

The school Health and Hygiene Committee did a commendable job in taking over the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of the main temple during the entire three days of teaching. They won the heart of many devotees as they left no stones unturned to keep the temple premises neat and clean throughout the teaching.

Kesang Gawa, a student from America who is presently studying in class VI P said, “I had a heaven-sent opportunity to listen to the teaching of HH The Dalai Lama at such a close quarter. Not only that, I had a wonderful audience of HH the Dalai Lama. He seemed really happy with his life, while most people are usually very stressed in their life. I felt in awe, because the person that all Tibetan families were worshipping, thanking, and loving was a few feet away from me. In America, I had never seen him personally, so he used to be a unmeetable hero of some sorts.”

Report on Parent Teacher Meeting, 2017

Report on Parent Teacher Meeting, 2017

24^th June, 2017: TCV School, Upper Dharamsala had its first Parent Teacher Meeting (PTA) for the year 2017 on 24^th June, 2017. Following the suggestions and the resolution made during the 2016 MDC on the need of a PTA meeting before the examination, the function of the first PTA was held on the above mentioned date in Dekyi Tsering hall from 9 am to 10.30 am.

Around 330 parents attended the function.  The School Principal welcomed all the parents and introduced the new changes in the administration to the parents. She then talked about the importance of the PTA meetings and the research based proofs on the benefits of such meetings on children. She stressed on the children being the most important, and thus the importance of need of collaborative team work by the parents as well as teachers due to the constant change in the society. She further requested the parents to keep a close vigilance on the actions of their child, and to further keep in constant touch with the house mothers and teachers. The 3 focus areas for 2017, resolved in 2016 Education Development Council (EDC) meeting, which are a) Promotion of Secular Ethics in Education, b) Strengthening implementation of Basic Education Policy and c) Controlling Substance Abuses, were also made aware of to the parents.

Dr. Sonam Topgyal, from Delek Hospital who especially came to attend the function,  introduced the hospital’s project titled ‘Zero TB in Tibetan Kids’, currently undergoing in the school. Aimed at eliminating TB in Tibetan school children, the doctor explained the types of medication and appealed the parents to take more responsibility.

Finally, the school Principal gave a short workshop to the parents on the CBSE initiative for class IX and X. She explained on how the entire pedagogical machinery gets affected and the changes under the CBSE’s remodeled scheme.

Mr. Passang, the Vice-President of Parent’s Association, through an anecdote of Thomas Edison stressed on the importance of parent’s involvement in a child’s success and urged the parents to use positive reinforcements.

Information and knowledge uploaded, the parents headed to the respective sections to meet the teachers of their child. The whole PTA meeting went from 10.30a.m. till 1.30 p.m. As per the school diary, the second PTA will take place on 18^th November, 2017.

World Tobacco Day

World Tobacco Day

To observe World Tobacco day, Health and Environment Committee members organised an event on May 31, 2017. We have conducted drawing completion on the theme ‘Tobacco’ in advance and students who were selected for top three positions were given prize by Senior Section Headmistress on the day.

After the assembly while students were leaving the hall for class, we have distributed two coloured bands to everyone – purple and yellow coloured bands which has different meanings.  The meanings of the colours were explained to the students:  yellow colour means “I will not smoke in school” and purple colour means “I will help my friends to quit smoking”.  Students were asked to collect the band colour of their choice and stick on their sweater for a day. We have also prepared various charts with information relating to the tobacco day and put-up on different board near senior section.

In the evening, we have requested Kunphen – a NGO working on treating drug abuse in Tibetan community to conduct a talk on tobacco for senior section students at Dickyi Tsering Hall. They came with two speakers who shared their real life experiences to promote awareness among our students. Their talks were followed by question and answer session. The day was concluded meaningfully.   We would like to extend our special thanks to our volunteer teacher Gen Monlam la helping us make this event a successful one.

Health and Environment Committee -2017

Clean Up during His Holiness Teaching to Tibetan Youth

Clean Up during His Holiness Teaching to Tibetan Youth

From June 5 to 7, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a special teaching to Tibetan youths at Tsuglakhang. During the three-day teaching, all the 60 members of our school’s Health and Environment Committee did their best to keep the temple courtyard clean.

To start with, we all gathered at one place to carry out the work more efficiently. Then Gen Tsetan la divided all the students and staff into four groups and appointed one group leaders. Groups were sat at different corners of Tsuglakhang courtyard. Once volunteers started distributing bread and tea to public, our student groups started moving to their respective places and collected the trashes after every break and lunch hours.

At the end of each day’s session after public leaves the temple area, we stayed back to sweep the whole area and collect all the trashes at one place. We have requested class nine boys to stay back little more time to wait for the garbage truck and send others back to their homes.

Above routine was followed during all the three days of teaching and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we were able to carry out the clean-up work without any complaints and inconveniences.

Health and Environment Committee -2017

WORLD KANGYOK DAY

WORLD KANGYOK DAY

 

18^th June, 2017 was observed as world Gang gyok day in different schools around the world and we the staff members and students of Upper TCV Dharamsala took part in observing world gang gyok day and organized 6 km health race from our school to Asia Health resort and back to school.

It was around 7:45am that the school Principal, headmasters, physical education teachers and the selected students for Kang Gyok (a health race) got assembled on basketball ground. Before the actual race, the school Principal gave a brief introduction of the world gang gyok day followed by physical teachers’ instruction on how to proceed for the short distance course.

At 8:15am with a school banner raised high, the children from classes VI to XI took part in actual race with excitement, zeal and sincere motivation in support of the world gang gyok day program organized by the school administration. All the participants were inspired and motivated by the active participation of the school principal, headmasters and the physical education teachers in the actual race covering the complete race course.

After the completion of race, all the participants returned back to school with lot of joy and satisfaction. All the participants were then told to relax and served a bottle of water and fresh juice sponsored by Nangten Menlang Socio Buddhist Research Charitable Trust.

The Kang gyok program finally was concluded with three minutes meditation on peace and mindfulness with brief and clear instructions from physical education teacher Mr. Karma Dorjee la.

Section Section

Upper TCV

KANGYUR RECITATION: May 31, 1st AND 2nd June

KANGYUR RECITATION: May 31, 1^st AND 2^nd June  

Saka Dawa, is the most sacred holy month when the Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment and par nirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. The holy month stretched from May 26 to June 24, 2016. Many believe that on Saka Dawa karmic results are multiplied by one hundred million times. To involve in positive deeds during this holy month, the school organized 3 days of Kangyur reading  from May 31 to June 2, 2017. Before the recitation, as a part of the sacred tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Class XI students led by two Philosophy Instructors of the school and the student council tracked the the school campus carrying 101 volumes of Kagyur scriptures from school temple to the Senior Section, there by blessing and consecrating the whole area. All the students of Senior Section; students from class VI to XI and teachers organized reading the scriptures in their classrooms, while staff and hermits read the same at the school temple. The students expressed a depicted sense of satisfaction reading the Kagyur very seriously. The program ended with consecrating of the ceremonial offering cake at Dekyi Tsering on the evening of the 2^nd June.

GEO HAZARDS WORKSHOP TO THE SENIOR SECTION STUDENTS

GEO HAZARDS WORKSHOP TO THE SENIOR SECTION STUDENTS

Dharamsala, 29^th May, 2017:  TCV School, Upper Dharamsala received the 3^rd phase of the Geo Hazards workshop on 29^th May, 2017. The students of Senior Section attended the hour long workshop from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in the Hermann Gmeiner hall. The first and the second phase of the same workshop were provided to the teachers and home mothers respectively.

Mr. Kunchok, a member of the Geo Hazards started his workshop with the explanation of the meaning of hazard and disaster. He then familiarized the students with the main hazards in Dharamsala, and the reason why we should be prepared. He further talked about unprepared versus a prepared school during a disaster. The students were explained how a school should be prepared for any disaster especially earthquakes. Many of the misconceptions people hold in terms of earthquakes were also cleared. Every one in the auditorium were made to practice ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ the number one safety every one must follow.

Besides earthquake, Mr. Kunchok also briefed the students on fire hazards. The students were explained the ‘Stop, Drop, Roll’ when ones clothes catches fire. The students were further clarified on various actions one must follow to survive a fire. A question answer session followed the talk, in which students from various grades asked a variety of questions. Following this workshop, the school believes that the students are more equipped with the knowledge and thus more and better of disaster preparedness.

 

VISIT OF 16TH TIBETAN PARLIAMENT MEMBERS IN UPPER TCV SCHOOL DHARAMSHALA CANT

VISIT OF 16^TH TIBETAN PARLIAMENT MEMBERS IN UPPER TCV SCHOOL DHARAMSHALA CANT

On 22nd May, two members of the 16^th Tibetan parliament in exile Mr. Dawa Phunkyi and Lutsang Gyari Thar paid an official visit to TCV school upper Dharamsala.  They were received by the Education Director of TCV schools Mr. Sonam Sichoe la. The two dignitaries addressed the gathering consisting of students from Classes VIII and above and the staff members of Upper TCV School in Hermann Gmeiner hall. There was a question and answer session soon after the address.

Mr. Dawa Phunkyi la began his talk on importance of punctuality. As an alumnus of TCV School Upper Dharamsala, he was taught about the importance of time during his school time by the dedicated staff members of the school. He reminded the students and staff members of the importance of preservation of rich Tibetan traditions, language and culture for Tibet and Tibetans in particular and world at large. He also highlighted the three commitments of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama and requested all the students to follow the invaluable advises given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He urged every one specially the younger generation to work hard and never to lose hope for hope is the only thing that could keep us going. Mr. Dawa Phunkyi further reminded us not to forget the kindness His Holiness the Dalai Lama and follow his words wisdom.

Lutsang Gyari Thar in his speech tried to bring back the glory of Tibet’s history at the certain historical point and pride of Tibet as an independent nation. He then came to the central point of his speech to let the audience pointer about the key causes of losing our country. He reiterated our national obligation to educate ourselves more and called for to take greater responsibilities by all. He also advised the students to follow the Buddhist technique of study i.e through listening, analysing and practicing in logical and reasoning. Thus, he conveyed his message not to be swayed by cheap and baseless gossips and talks. But remain consistent in your philosophy based on reasoning and rationality. Mr.Lhutsang Gyarik Thar further reminded us not to forget the kindness and support shown by others in our lives.

The President of TCV schools honoured the dignitaries with the traditional white scarf followed by the word of thanks from the Village Director Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee.

In the afternoon, the two members of the Tibetan parliament in exile accompanied by the President, General Secretary, Village Director and school Principal paid a quick visit to three sections of the school and observed Tibetan language enrichment programs organised for the teaching staff members of Infant section and junior section. They also witnessed dialectic classes organised as teachers’ professional development program for senior section staff members.