The Vikramasila Foundation

His Holiness the Dalai Lama lays the Foundation Stone at the new school being constructed for Pema Ts'al Mundgod.

On December 15, 2002, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Pema Ts'al school in Mundgod, India. He was met by the Venerable Lama Guru Gyaltsen, Executive Director of Pema Ts'al, and introduced to the Venerable Lama Kunga Dhondup, Principal of the Pema Ts'al Institute in Pokhara, Nepal, and Mr. Sangye Wangdu, a teacher at the school. A reception was held for His Holiness, with a boy and girl in traditional Tibetan dress offering Phemar and Changphud.

HH the Dalai Lama greeted the students, who were lined up along a red carpet leading to the construction site. His Holiness laid the Foundation Stone for the school, laying the cement mortar and securing the stone into place. He then unveiled a plaque made to commemorate the event.

His Holiness rested and discussed plans for the school with Lama Guru. He stressed the importance of helping children get a good education, and seemed pleased with the progress the school was making. He asked who was funding the project and was told that the Venerable Lama Pema Wangdak and his center were the sole financers of the construction in both India and Nepal.

His Holiness signed the school's visitor's book and blessed the children as he left. Many of the students cried with joy. They are currently chronicling their meeting with His Holiness, and we hope to share their experiences with you in the near future.

Message wrote by HH The Dalai Lama in the Guest Book of Pema Tsal School Mundgod 15-12-2002

Tibetan Transcription:
(Gangs lJongs sNod bcud Cags ‘Jig gi dus gnyan skabs ‘dir Phi nang shes yon dGos gal Sin tu Che bas pad ma Tsal salob gNyer Khang ‘di nas kyang zabs ‘degs gang mTsams ‘Grub par gDon mi za bas ‘barel yod Tsang mar thug rje che Zu dang ‘brel Tsang mas Hur gngang gal )

Translation:
“At this critical period of Tibet, it is very important to acquire spiritual and academic education, and the Pema Tsal School too undoubtedly contributes notable service in this regard. I thank all concerned and request to be active still.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at Pema Ts'al Mundgod and is greeted by Lama Guru Gyaltsen and Lama Kunga Dhundop.

The Venerable Lama Guru Gyaltsen escorts His Holiness to the construction site for the Pema Ts'al school currently being built in Mundgod, India.

HH Dalai Lama was received in traditional Tibetan manner, with a boy and girl in full Tibetan dress offering Phemar and Changphud.

The students of Pema Ts'al anxiously wait to meet His Holiness.

His Holiness lays the foundation stone.