Closure of Ragya Sherig Norling School: Impact on Tibetan Education and Culture
A recent panel discussion in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India, organized by the Tibet Policy Institute, focused on the forced closure of the Ragya Sherig Norling Educational Institute in Qinghai province, China. The event was moderated by Zamlha Tempa Gyaltsen, Deputy Director of the Tibet Policy Institute.
Key Participants
The discussion featured several notable participants:
- Parliamentarian Pema Tso
- Director Dawa Tsering from the Tibet Policy Institute
- Shede Dawa, a former student and researcher at Tibet Watch
Discussion Highlights
Parliamentarian Pema Tso expressed her disbelief upon learning about the sudden closure of the institute on July 14. She emphasized the institute’s significant role in Tibetan education, having graduated over 2,200 students, and provided historical context on its founder, Gen Jigme Gyaltsen.
Shede Dawa shared his personal experiences, highlighting Gen Jigme Gyaltsen’s dedication to preserving Tibetan language and culture. He recounted his own transformation under Gen Jigme’s guidance, underscoring the institute’s importance in nurturing Tibetan identity.
Broader Implications
The panel condemned the closure and discussed the broader efforts to elevate Mandarin Chinese over Tibetan in education. Reports indicate that Tibetan language instruction is increasingly restricted, with Mandarin becoming the primary language of instruction in many schools. Higher education institutions face limitations on teaching Tibetan, stifling opportunities for Tibetan language development.
A recent report by the International Campaign for Tibet highlighted significant challenges faced by Tibetans on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin. These platforms impose language restrictions, blocking livestreams and comments in Tibetan, which limits online engagement and communication for Tibetan medical professionals.
The International Campaign for Tibet criticized the stringent censorship and monitoring of Tibetan-related content on platforms like Douyin, viewing it as part of a broader agenda by the Chinese Communist Party to control narratives and silence dissent.
Doubts Revealed
Ragya Sherig Norling School -: This is a school in Qinghai province that focuses on teaching Tibetan language and culture.
Tibetan Education and Culture -: This refers to the traditional ways of learning and cultural practices of the Tibetan people.
Dharamshala -: A city in India where many Tibetans live, including the Dalai Lama.
Tibet Policy Institute -: An organization that studies and discusses issues related to Tibet.
Qinghai province -: A region in China where many Tibetans live.
Chinese government -: The ruling authority in China, which makes laws and decisions for the country.
Parliamentarian Pema Tso -: A member of the Tibetan Parliament who speaks on behalf of the Tibetan people.
Researcher Shede Dawa -: A person who studies and provides information about Tibetan issues.
Mandarin -: The official language of China, which the government wants everyone to learn.
