A wonderful day of celebration, gratitude and entertainment was held at the hostel on 19th November, marking 14 years of Tong-Len. The lively event was filled with children from the hostel, their families – from the nearby slums and poor communities – and local and international guests.
The chief guest was Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman of the National Book Trust, a government organisation with a mission to make literature available at moderate prices to the public. Shri Sharma has served as editor of a number of prestigious daily and weekly newspapers and is a noted figure on various Hindi news channels. He spoke warmly of the achievements of Tong-Len, and the tireless work of its director Lobsang Jamyang. He paid tribute to the slum children who were previously not considered part of society and now, through Tong-Len, have a future.
Other guests included Professor Ajai Srivastava from Himachal Pradesh University, Mr Dawa Rinchen of the Tibetan Settlement Office, Brigid Whoriskey from Tong-Len UK and her daughter Ailis Watt.
Two of the children, Aarti and Mamta, opened proceedings with a warm welcome speech. ‘The word thankyou is very special – it gives happiness to both the person saying it and the person hearing it. We think this word has power across the world. I am now saying from the depth of my heart a big thank to all of our Sponsors, Helpers, Staff, Supporters, Donators and all who help us with our work’.
The annual Tong–Len social appreciation awards were presented by Brigid Whoriskey, from Tong-Len UK. Three awards were presented to recognise the special contribution of other organisations to make the world a better place:
- The Rural Centre for Human Interests (RUCHI) were recognised for their many projects on the environment, healthcare and empowering women and young people. They were particularly commended for their innovative use of technology and international linkages – and for their belief in the power of people to achieve great things.
- Dayanand Model High School received an award for welcoming the children from the slum community in the early days of Tong-Len, when the doors of many other schools remained closed. Dayanand school saw the potential of these wonderful young people rather than the challenges and difficulties they faced.
- The third award went to The Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR) for promoting non-violent management of conflict, converting negative energy into positive energy.
Nisha Kumari, the first Tong-Len student to be accepted into a masters degree programme, presented a surprise award to the Director of Tong-Len, Lobsang Jamyang, known to all as Guruji. With tears in her voice she spoke about the important role he played in her life and the lives of all of the children. He provides a secure home, education, encouragement, love and support and is a consistent a light in the dark. This award to Guruji received the loudest cheers of the day from the Tong-Len children!
Ailis Watt, a young 21 year old from Scotland, who has been a supporter of Tong-Len for over 10 years, thanked the children for their friendship, their bright smiles, for inspiring her and for teaching her about what’s important in life.
Jamyang (Guruji) closed proceedings by expressing his thanks to the children, their families, the Tong-Len staff, the guests and all those who make the work of Tong-Len possible.
And as always, the highlight of the day was the wonderful performances of the children – guests were treated to feast of dances and plays. The day ended with a wonderful meal served to 300 people prepared by the amazing Tong-Len chefs, with help from some of the children. It was a wonderful, happy day – celebrating the heart of Tong-Len.