Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling

The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling is one of the most important places to visit, while in Darjeeling. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling dates back to the year of 1915, and it started functioning from October 1st. The setting up of this centre has a big history surrounding it. During the great escape of the Dalai Lama, many Tibetans had followed His footsteps, leaving their homes. For that reason a self help rehabilitation centre had been started, where the Tibetan refugees employ themselves and stay in this hill town.

The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling follows certain principles and work under them. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre of Darjeeling is governed by a committee comprising on 10 team members. Following is the list of the Founders of the Committee:

  -   Mrs. Gyalo Thondup (President)
  -   Mr. T. Lawang
  -   Mr. G. Tesur
  -   Mr. Tenzing Norgay
  -   Mr. & Mrs. Jokssari
  -   Mr. T. Tethong
  -   Monsiegnour Benjamin
  -   Mr. Chumbay Tshering
  -   Miss Tesur

The members who joined Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre Darjeeling later are:

  -   Colonel and Mrs. Thapa
  -   Mr. J.K. Bhardwaj
  -   Mrs. N.L. Laden La
  -   Mr. Dilip Bose

The 13th Dalai Lama spent his exile in Darjeeling of India, from 1910 to 1912. Initially, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre at Darjeeling started of with only 4 employees. Now there are more than 750 employees working in the centre. The year of 1961 saw the self help refugee centre being registered by the Indian court of Law, as a charitable organization.

The artisans here weave out beautiful Tibetan carpets, wooden, leather and metallic artifacts and many other handicrafts. The centre exports its products all over the world. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre at Darjeeling is also involved in social works like helping the needy, providing orphanage, and education for poor children. The centre initially had a Nursery school which grew up to be a Primary school later.

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