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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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