This year’s Thanks Day celebration was particularly special as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of Tong-Len’s foundation. There were hundreds of guests including families from the slums, local dignitaries, state government, Dalai Lama Trust, sponsors and supporters from around the world.
Jamyang, the founder and Director of Tong-Len Charitable Trust, gave a heartfelt thank you to all supporters and in particular to the partner charities who raise the funds that make Tong-Len possible including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama Trust, Tong-Len UK, the Fontana Foundation, Pencil Tree, Agir Ensemble pour Tong-Len and all other sponsors and funders.
For the 20th anniversary the children of the school chose the theme
“A journey of Hope and Transformation”.
There were many wonderful dances and sketches but the highlight was a surprise play written by the students about all the selfless work and actions of Tong-Len’s founder. ‘Guruji’ (Jamyang) was brilliantly played by one of the students and the play brought to life all the key milestones over the past 20 years. It brought many a tear to the eyes of the guests and Jamyang himself.
Tong-Len awards were presented to 3 individuals for their contribution to making the world a better place. After the formal ceremony lunch was served to all the guests, mainly prepared by the Tong-Len cooks in the small kitchen, aided and served by the older Tong-Len students.
It was a truly magnificent day, attended by around 1,000 people, worthy of the 20th anniversary, and built around the values of Tong-Len. It was an event full of joy, happiness and gratitude.
It ended with most of the Class of 2004 on stage, introducing themselves and their current jobs. These slum kids who once used to beg and pick garbage on the streets, are now nurses, teachers, hotel managers, engineers, events’ organisers, a doctor, a journalist, a physiotherapist, support staff and skilled workers. It was true testimony to the journey of Hope and Transformation that is the embodiment of Tong-Len.
