By Tenzin Menkyi
Mcleod Ganj, July 7: The largest pro independence group of the Tibetan Diaspora has launched an annual award of 20000 Rupees for students securing first in Tibetan subject in the all India class XII board exams. The award, the TYC, said is dedicated to the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on turning 80 and to express gratitude for his leadership.
The first recipient of the ‘Dalai Lama Kadrin Jayden Award’ is Denzom, 22, from TCV Selakui with 97 in Tibetan. Sonam Dorjee, the Tibetan Welfare Officer, presented her with the award at the afternoon function in celebration of His Holiness’s birthday.
“I didn’t hope to win this award. However, I was thrilled when I learned that I had won. The recognition has paved a new way to my future.” said Denzom, who fled from Tibet in 2004.
“I prefer reading Tibetan language. Few of book stores in Nepal have a lot of books in Tibetan language published from inside Tibet. Non-fiction, fictions, books of essays, and speeches of great personalities translated into Tibetan are to be found there. I have been meaning to buy the books but couldn’t afford. I will use the prize money to buy those books and remaining money will be spent on my education,” added Denzom, who goes by one name.
Tenzing Jigme, President TYC said that TYC, since its inception in 1970 with a goal of preservation of culture, religion and language, has been continuously working to educate the youth about the importance of speaking, reading and writing in Tibetan. “With the same goal, TYC announced Dalai Lama Kadrin Jayden Award to encourage and persuade the Tibetan youths to help preserve the language. We need to preserve our identity, more than ever and our language is an integral part of that identity,” he said.
TYC, largest Tibetan NGO in exile with over 88 chapters and 35,000 members worldwide working for the freedom and independence of the Tibetan people, is also offering Tenshug, a long life ceremonial offering to His Holiness on July 31 in Dharamshala.
