Mundgod, India: - The South Zone Tibetan Cultural and Exhibition Meet 2011 took place September 18 and 19 at the Central School for Tibetans in Mundgod. Eight schools from Tibetan settlements in southern India participated in the event.
The Ven. Kundeling Tatsak Choktrul Rinpoche declared the meet open during the Opening Ceremony, and Shri Palden Dhundup served as the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.
The program for the two days included group song, debate, poem recitation, folk dance, declamation, drama, and duet competitions for students in their Junior and Senior years.
Students wore traditional Tibetan dress and performed traditional songs and dances during the event. Poems dealt with themes such as the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet.
During the debate competition, students exhibited their public speaking skills in a spirited debate on the use of the Internet.
"Many people always forget to do their prayer and their daily duty," a student from the side against the Internet said. "It is not necessary to improve knowledge. In the 18th century, there was no Internet, mobiles or television, and people still achieved."
The other side countered with this argument: "It's very useful, though, to know the news and to know situations around the world, like the situation in Tibet. Also, it helps people develop financially."
CST Mundgod was the overall champion of the senior group, and Bylakuppe, Mundgod and Kollegal all tied for the junior championship.
