situated in the himalayas, tibet sits on the world's highest plateau. long regarded as an independent and peaceful country, inhabited by people living in harmony with nature, it became known to the outside world as 'shangri-la.' sadly, the peace was not to last...
Dharamsala became the new home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile in 1960, when the prime minister of India granted political asylum to Tibetans. Dharamsala has since become a center for Tibetan activity with numerous organizations, monasteries and nunneries, schools and over 19,000 residents.
Since relocating to India, the Tibetan refugees have struggled to maintain their culture and identity. The mass movement has caused social and financial instability as transplanted families attempt to re-establish businesses, careers and cultural harmony. Equally as challenging has been the cultural disconnectedness as Tibetans attempt to live and strive in the Indian culture as well as receive basic medical and childcare.
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While the Tibetan refugee situation is a heated political issue, Lifeworks does not intend to incite political fervor, but rather to help the children and families who are suffering in our world. We want to extend humanitarian aid to the people of Dharamsala who need it most.
We live in dormitories and hotels in Dharamsala for a majority of our stay and participate in daily Tibetan Immersion and Mutual Learning Partnership programs. Students spend some time learning Tibetan language, music, art, cooking and philosophy, and we get to share our cultures too!
At the request of the Dalai Lama, Tibetans learn English to improve their lives in exile. Basic employment is difficult without this skill, so we aid the Lha Social Work Organization in its mission to teach English to newly arrived exiles. It's often here that Lifeworkers learn the warmth of a Tibetan's smile.
The rest of our work focuses on service with the Rogpa Charitable Trust, whose philosophy is "where one gets help and another gets the chance to help." Working in their Baby Care Center, we help provide free childcare services so struggling parents can find work, learn English and become self-sufficient.
During our time in Dharamsala, we also embark on short excursions including a small trek to Triund to see glaciers and the Indian snow line. We explore a Tibetan refugee colony in Tso Pema and visit local monasteries and retreat caves, all in the tranquil and majestic backdrop of the Himalayan Mountains.
A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. We also get a chance to explore the Old Delhi bazaars and watch a Bollywood film in Connaught Place. Lifeworks India promises to be a cultural feast for the soul!
