Library of Tibetan works and Archives

Mr. Samten Dhondup, the opera instructor, who was assisting us with the project was busy in the afternoon preparing for the show they had in the evening - The Tibetan folk dance show. Hence we had the afternoon free. We walked down to the main chowk to meet Sahil & Laju for a late lunch. They had found accommodation at a 6-7minute walk from TIPA towards Dharamkot.

A view of Dharamhala while heading down from TIPA & our Guest House to the main chowk

                       

A view of Dharamhala while heading down from TIPA & our Guest House to the main chowk

The narrow street winding down to the main square

Tibetan Freedom Movement - Sub Committee Office 

We had lunch at a restaurant named 'Punjabi Dhaba' which was at a 3-4 minute walk from the main square. Food was okay but the dishes weren't clean so wouldn't go there again!

The Tibetan Folk dance performance was scheduled at 6.30pm and we were supposed to be there by 6pm so we could work backstage in the green rooms while the teams got ready for the performances.

We still had time, it was only 3.30pm and hence we decided to go to the Library of Tibetan works and Archives.

We asked someone where it was and we were told - close by at about 6 mins walk.

We walked for about 10 minutes and asked again and we were told - not too far, just 15 minutes from here!

We walked down further for about another 15 minutes and then we were told it was still 10 minutes further down the winding road!

The walk was endless. Not that it mattered as we could explore the place but then we were concerned as the library was scheduled to close at 5pm. Finally we met a Tibetan girl, Dolma, who spoke broken English and asked her how far the Library really was. She took us from a short cut and we reached the library in about another 10 minutes. Finallyyyy!!! 

Dolma told us she went to the main square in Mcleod to learn English. 

Hiten with Dolma - our new Tibetan friend 

                         

Some kids in the village who wanted us to take their pictures - Photo khicho na, photo khicho na. Reminded me of the 'photo paado, photo paado' we heard from the kids in Kudasan village near NID during our photography module.

A narrow walkway after the shortcut we took.

Library of Tibetan works and Archives (LTWA)

Ancient manuscripts, artefacts, books, etc were destroyed when the communist Chinese took-over Tibet in 1959. HIs Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, founded the Library of Tibetan works and Archives to restore, preserve and promote what was lost.

LTWA was set up in 1970 and since then has grown to become one of the premier institute in the world specializing in Buddhist and Tibetan studies. 

We were sure we would find what we needed here.

                     

Finally we arrived the library. Could not take a good picture as it was 4.40 and we had very little time to work

The entrance lobby

Details of the fine painting at the entrance door

We asked the librarian if they had any book documenting costumes of the Kham region. We did not really have the time to explore on our own. She got us one book from the store inside. It was in Tibetan language.

We inquired the process of borrowing books or photographing them. We were allowed to photograph them at a nominal fee! We requested her to quickly pull out some more books that we can refer to. We explained our project so that she can help us.

She issued us some 6-7 books out of which 5 were relevant and we could use.

Though it was past 5 she kept the library open for us so that we can do what we came there for. Another moment when I felt how helpful and friendly these people were. 

When we were leaving she gave us her card and told us to feel free to write to her incase we need more help for the project. She also told us that she is happy we are doing such a project. This small gesture reflects how much they appreciate any effort towards preserving their culture.

Feeling blessed, once again!

Now we had to rush back to TIPA. It was almost 5.20pm and we had to travel back up this time so walking would not be possible - one, due to time and two, as we did not have so much energy after the sleepless night, travelling and super long day we have already had.