This summer, the quiet hills of Dharamshala became a classroom without walls for Grade VII and VIII students of STS Chandragiri (Odisha). This transformative week allowed students to step away from textbooks and into the heart of the Tibetan exile community, experiencing culture, politics, and heritage in ways no traditional classroom could offer.
Students were warmly welcomed at Lha with an orientation that set the journey’s tone. They visited the Dalai Lama Temple, walked the sacred Kora, and explored the Dalai Lama Library and Archives. At the Norbulingka Institute, they observed Tibetan artisans at work, found quiet reflection at Gyuto Monastery, explored traditional Tibetan medicine at Men-Tsee-Khang, participated in clay activities, experienced traditional rhythms at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, and listened to inspiring words from Gen Passang La.
Day 5 brought the journey’s highlight—a personal blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Students also visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, engaged with Geshe Lhakdor La, and explored the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights & Democracy. Beyond observation, students actively participated by joining the Clean Upper Dharamshala initiative, practicing yoga, and conversing with Lha volunteers, with each activity nurturing their confidence, curiosity, and compassion.
The final day featured encounters with the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, and Students for a Free Tibet – India, leaving students with deep appreciation for Tibetan resilience and peaceful activism. What began as a study tour became a journey of discovery—revealing history, cultural identity, resilience, and the power of learning beyond classroom walls. Students returned home with expanded worldviews and lasting memories of the Tibetan people’s enduring spirit.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/day 1 to day 7
