DHARAMSHALA, August 20: Tibetan Homes Foundation, Mussoorie, one of the premiere educational institutions in exile, is gearing up to commemorate its Golden Jubilee year next month with elaborate celebrations from September 17 to 21.

The school will be marking 50 years of service to the Tibetan society, since its establishment in 1962.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, who is also the minister for education of the Central Tibetan Administration, are scheduled to attend the grand celebrations.

The school has invited sponsors, donor organisations, former staff members, and alumni to be a part of the commemorations.

Speaking to Phayul, a former school captain, and currently a CTA staff, Kalsang Tsering said the 50th founding anniversary was another milestone in the school’s illustrious record of “nurturing, caring and educating generations of Tibetans, especially those who have come from Tibet, leaving everything back for a better and quality education.”

“Being an alma mater, I am excited to go there,” he added.

Tentative programme for the five-day long ceremony includes religious teachings by the Dalai Lama, an inter alumni football tournament, photo exhibition, cultural show, a jubilee fest among other activities.

Gelek Jamyang, a THF alumnus and currently the president of the National Democratic Party of Tibet said that after escaping into exile, the Homes school was a like a real “home” to him.

“Whatever I have achieved in life is all because of the THF,” he said. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the school and will never forget its kindness.”

Former students, some from as far away as the US, are also making the journey to India to attend their school’s golden jubilee anniversary.

Established by the Dalai Lama soon after Tibet’s exodus into exile in 1959, the late Rinchen Dolma Taring, also known as the 'Daughter of Tibet,' took charge of the school. As the first General Secretary of the Foundation, her service and contribution have been pivotal in the success story of the school.

THF in a release said that it takes “great pride in reporting that several thousand Tibetan children have successfully graduated from homes and are serving the community at large all around the world.”

The school also expressed its gratitude to the “Indian Government, donor organisations, sponsors and friends who have been there to guide and help the Foundation in its journey of 50 years.”

The Foundation has two branch schools in Rajpur and Rishikesh, with a total of over 2400 children under its care.