In an effort to safeguard the rich cultural legacy of Tibet, Sikyong Penpa Tsering unveiled a new initiative aimed at reinforcing the cultural fabric of Tibetan communities around the world. Announced on November 3, 2023, the “Strengthening Cultural Resilience of Tibetan Communities” project is a bold stride towards digitizing and preserving the nation’s unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions.
According to Tibet.net, the official site of the Central Tibetan Administration, the launch took place at the Kashag Secretariat, witnessing a congregation of esteemed personalities including Secretary Chime Tseyang of the Department of Religion and Culture, and Dr. Poonam Smith Sreen from USAID, among others. The event underlined a significant partnership with the Department of Religion and Culture (DoRC) and is generously funded by USAID.
This three-year venture encompasses the ambitious goal of constructing a digital library, crucial for the preservation of Tibetan manuscripts, thangkas, and artifacts. As reported by Tibet.net, the DoRC is set to coordinate with monasteries and other institutions to compile these invaluable resources.
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In his address, as quoted by Tibet.net, Sikyong Penpa Tsering emphasized the alignment of the program with the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, particularly highlighting the digitization of sacred texts as a modern method of preservation. The initiative also coincided with a women’s empowerment conference and a discussion on artificial intelligence, highlighting the day’s historic importance.
Dr. Poonam Smith Sreen of USAID, recognizing the Tibetan people’s efforts to preserve their culture during 70 years of exile, underscored the significance of the digital library project for maintaining their cultural identity.
This project is not just a leap into the digital age for Tibetan heritage but also a statement of resilience and adaptation. As the Central Tibetan Administration’s Tibet.net details, the collaboration with Wadhwani AI and the Monlam Tibetan IT Research Center will be integral to the development of this digital repository.
The initiative presents a harmonious blend of tradition with technology, ensuring that the Tibetan spirit not only endures but thrives on the global stage.
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