Preservation of Tibetan Culture

McKown, Colleen. “CST Pricipal and Students on Changing Times, Tibetan Identity”. The Tibet Post International. 26 September 2011.

This article discusses the preservation of Tibetan culture with the rising generation. When Tibet was pushed into exile the Dalai Lama instated a plan with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)  to establish schools where Tibetan culture, language, and religion could be preserved. Looking back the CTA was a wonderful decision and made a way to establish a better system, the Central School for Tibetans (CST). Changra, the principal of the CST network for 35 years, emphasizes the importance and responsibility of the new generations to preserve Tibetan culture. Changra served in Mundgod from 2003-2005 and then came back in 2010. She noticed upon her return that students were unhappy; after talking with students, teachers, and parents she attributes this stress on teachers being too strick. Students express wanting to get away and become businessmen, doctors, dentists, nurses, etc… Though some teachers and parents take the idea of moving into India’s society as destroying Tibetan identity, Changra states that Tibetan culture will never die. The culture is so unique. Tenzin Thinley, a teacher from class eleven, reiterates that the culture is not dying. From her recent experiences at the Culture  and Exhibition Meet held at CST Mundgod dancing, singing, debates, and poetry readings were a perfect declaration of Tibetan culture continuing on.

How does this apply to the farming culture? Does this mean that young people are more rare to see in the fields? Is the rising generation really moving away and attending college? If so, do they come home on breaks and help the family or do they stay away?