The Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Religion and Culture is shining a spotlight on the preservation of Tibetan heritage through technology. On March 12-13, 2024, they kicked off the Consortium Conference of the Tibetan Digital Library, an initiative part of their ‘Strengthening Cultural Resilience of Tibetan Communities’ program, Tibet.net reports.
The opening ceremony saw prominent figures like Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Veena Reddy, USAID India Mission Director, alongside other dignitaries, come together to light a butter lamp and honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The event not only celebrated the launch but also served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of Tibetan culture and the collective effort needed to safeguard it.
According to Tibet.net, Sikyong Penpa Tsering paid homage to the older Tibetan generation for their role in preserving the rich Tibetan Buddhist texts. He acknowledged the significant support from organizations like USAID, Tibet Fund, and others in making the digital library a reality. The emphasis was on the community’s collective action and the importance of collaboration with scholars and experts during the conference.
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USAID Mission Director Veena Reddy praised the Tibetan community’s dedication to their cultural heritage, underscoring the critical nature of these efforts in ensuring the culture’s survival, as per Tibet.net. The conference drew 64 participants from various monasteries and cultural institutions, showcasing a strong interest in the project.
The Tibetan Digital Library stands as a testament to the advancements in digital technology meeting the timeless tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Launched by Sikyong in November 2023 and funded by USAID, this project, in partnership with Wadhwani AI and Monlam ITRC, promises to be a cornerstone in the cultural preservation efforts of the Tibetan diaspora.
As Tibet.net highlighted, this digital endeavor represents a significant step towards not just preserving but revitalizing Tibetan culture for future generations. The conference serves as a crucial junction for knowledge exchange and setting the stage for the extensive work ahead in cultural preservation.
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