Dharamshala — A new mini Children's Orthography book, in Tibetan was launched at the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School in Dharamshala, India, which encourages kids to preserve Tibetan language and cultural identity.
The event, which began with a traditional prayer followed by a White-Wednesday (Tib: Lhakar) song by the students. Over 100 people attended the launch of the new book (Tib: Losal Jeypai Dhadhak Gangjong Chikad Salwai Melong), on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.
Tsering Samdup, the Director of Education Council was the Chief Guest and the Principle of Lower T.C.V School, Lobsang Monlam was the special Guest.
The author of the book Trulku Thupten Choephel who is currently also a teacher of the school says the book is a combination of Words, with a description and a proverb to each word. The book also has a simple picture before every word for better understanding.
In his description of the book, Ven Choephel said that he did not add any politically sensitive pictures because he hopes the book will benefit to the children in Tibet. He further said: ''I believe it is the responsibility of every Tibetan to try and preserve Tibetan language and culture. "
Speaking from my experience, I found very few such Tibetan books for the Tibetan children which they actually like to read. So taking this opportunity, I would like to request to all Tibetan authors across the world, to kindly try and publish quality books for children as they can. It is not only innovative ideas for children but also preferred and read by the children. "On the other hand it is also preserving the rich language of Tibet."
Chief Guest Samdup also shared his thoughts on the importance of having Orthology books for Tibetan Children. He said: "I think its very important to have various books as children lay their foundation from these kinds of books.
Addressing the gathering, the headmistress of the the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School, Tenzin Choedon said: "After reading the book, I think It would be very helpful, if more Tibetan teachers will come up with more books as they have direct connection with the children's education."
Tenzin Dhadon, a student from the Mewoen Petoen School concluded the event with some heartfelt thanks.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has established this school as a model school for the implementation of Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in exile on October 10, 2005. The school endeavors to follow and practise the policy not only for teaching-learning purposes but also to give holistic education to the children. CTA says "the traditional education is the ultimate choice for the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity."
