The Gurukul Programme returned in 2022 for its 26th year, making it the Foundation’s longest-running programme. A transformational immersion experience, Gurukul invites Indian university students and recent graduates to live the life of the Tibetan community in exile, offering first-hand insight into their civilisational heritage, Tibetan Buddhism and His Holiness’ teachings.
Starting June 7, for three weeks, the Fellows had insightful interactions with cultural institutions such as the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, political organisations and members of the Tibetan government in exile, as well as spiritual discussions with Geshe Lhakdor la, and monks and nuns at the Fellows’ respective residences – Dolma Ling Nunnery and Tse-Chok-Ling Monastery.
The Fellows were also blessed with a private audience with His Holiness. In the hour-long interaction, he caringly addressed their queries and concerns, while emphasising the importance of compassion in their role as citizens of a global community.
Feedback
All reports and feedback surveys revealed the Fellows found this a holistic, immersive programme. They were surprised at how they came to examine their own relationships with faith and learnt to engage in meaningful, incisive dialogue about Buddhism. The closing ceremony highlighted the common sentiment that this was a life-changing exercise in gratitude.
– Jayana D Sanghvi, Stella Maris College, Chennai
“The Gurukul Programme is one of the many life changing experiences I’ve had the honour and privilege to be a part of. No matter where I go or what I become – these three weeks, this amazing group of 32 people and every second spent getting close to the Tibet issue will always be close to my heart.”
– Zeal Pareshbhai Jani, St Xavier’s College, Gujarat
“I feel like I entered another realm, brimming with beauty, kindness, wisdom and overwhelming amounts of compassion; that now, I too have become a fellow dweller, a learner and there is no going back.”
— Dnyanesh Borse, IIT Bombay, Mumbai
“The Gurukul programme was a significant event in my life. I feel connected with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the whole of Tibet forever. I share the responsibility for the Tibet issue now. This program is just a starting point for my journey with Tibet. I am looking forward to studying Buddhism and visiting Dharamshala again.”
— Ajay Lukose, TISS, Mumbai
“The programme brought about a seismic shift in my thought process. It was a fun programme that was intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling. I shall use the learnings from the program to enhance my life experiences and raise awareness about the Tibetan cause and community in those parts of the country where not many people know the situation. I am glad that I could be a good chela throughout the programme and in turn, hope to act as a guru to the ignorant, preaching and practicing what I have learned in Gurukul 2022.”
Alumni Outreach
The Foundation’s first attempt to reconvene the vibrant alumni network of the Gurukul Programme brought together 20 alumni from batches spanning 1993-2008. Meeting virtually in March 2022, the former Gurukul Fellows reflected on the myriad ways in which the experiential programme impacted them as young students and traced their journeys to their current positions as doctors, university professors, entrepreneurs, and experts at UN institutions, among others.