“It is wonderful to be back in India after three years! Even if it was to be greeted by late monsoon rains. Following a long drive up from Delhi through heavy rain, our first day in McLeod Ganj continued the theme and was shrouded in mist and more rain.”
“A selfie on our temple circumambulation! Penpa Tsering, our Project Liaison Officer in Nepal, Thupten, Programme Manager, Philippa, CEO and Tenzin Nyima our Liaison Officer based in Delhi.”
“Because of the rain, the planned activity with children at Manjushree’s library had to be cancelled, but it was still wonderful to see the library in person, along with all the amazing children’s books they have published.”
“Monday saw us on the road again, this time heading to Bir, Chauntra and Suja with Delek Wangmo from Tibetan Ability Centre. We have been core funders since 2016 and it is always moving to meet some of the children who benefit from its work. We also managed to visit the creche we support through the Department of Home. The two nannies were very happy about the salary increase our grant covers and we we very happy to see lots of toys out ready to be played with!”
“Down to Norbulingka to meet some single mothers and widows who received a small stipend and dry foods to help them through the Covid lockdowns. They work at Norbulingka as tailors and in the applique thangka workshops. During lockdowns, they had little to no work, meaning their income was greatly reduced. We visited one home, two rooms on the top floor of a local house reached by a rough path bending its way up and down between other buildings and overgrown patches of land.”
“We were excited to hold a consultation with Tibet NGOs and CSOs in the Peace Hall on the top floor of Norbu House. The stunning views were an inspiring backdrop to a lively and engaged event. We looked at the variety of work currently being undertaken, the future challenges and changing needs. The team, plus Youdon Aukatsang (Managing trustee from Empowering the Vision, another project we core fund), managed the discussions.”
“The rest of the week saw more meetings, many steps, sun, clouds rising, some wonderful new artworks celebrating Tibetan traditional skills at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, moving exhibits and audio video footage in the new Tibet Museum and a dinner with the Sikyong, Penpa Tsering. We were also lucky to meet Dolma Gyari, the Security Kalon (Minister).
Next week we will be on the road, taking in Chandigarh, Rajpur and Mussoorie!”
