His Holiness The Dalai Lama often describes Indians as the ‘guru (teacher)’ and Tibetans as the ‘chelas (students)’ of the Indian guru. Many Indians believe that the roles have been reversed and we have much to learn from the Tibetans. The Gurukul Programme seeks to revive the centuries-old relationship of exchange of ideas and experiences between Indians and Tibetans, and offer a gateway to discover an inner universe in Dharamsala.
For 26 years, Gurukul has offered meaningful opportunities for university students across India to reside in Dharamsala – the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Headquarter of the Central Tibetan Administration – for three weeks and immerse themselves in various experiences. The innovatively designed Programme offers an introductory insight into Tibet’s civilization heritage, the life and teachings of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism, and the life and history of the Tibetan community in exile.
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As always, the 27th Annual Gurukul received an overwhelmingly positive response from participants, with every Fellow highlighting the transformative power of this journey in their reflections.
– Aditi Vashishtha, Delhi
“Every session had something to cherish, something to remember. There is a lot that I’ve come away carrying in my heart that escapes articulation. This programme has changed my perspective on many things including matters as diverse as politics and my daily life.”
– Abhiraj Parmar, Dharamsala
“I felt a profound sense of gratitude and renewed purpose through this programme. The journey challenged my preconceived notions, and expanded my understanding of compassion. I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all beings and a renewed commitment to live a compassionate and mindful life.”
— Ashmeet Kaur, Delhi
“Gurukul went above and beyond what I had anticipated. From educational sessions to cultural experiences, everything was combined with interactive and engaging activities. I found the program an act of selfless giving that provided me with a profound and eye-opening exposure to the Tibetan community living in exile and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their rich culture, tradition, and struggles.”
— Akshaya Akriti, Rajgir
“Gurukul is that part of my life which will always remain etched in my memory; a beautiful journey still feels like a dream. Words fall short when describing the feeling of losing a home, losing a country of its own. The hope with which all Tibetans live today in different parts of the world and still thrive is a story that we all should take inspiration from.”