On 10th November 2024, the Paonta settlement marked the 35th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama.
Before the commencement of the main program, a mass gathering was held in the front courtyard of Shalu Monastery for a procession of ritual prayers. Flags were also hoisted to commemorate the auspicious event.
Following the prayers at the monastery, the main program commenced at the Public Hall in the presence of local residents and dignitaries, including the heads of various societies in the settlement. As per the scheduled program, the Tibetan and Indian national anthems were sung by a group of school students on stage to mark the occasion.
This was followed by a speech from the settlement officer, Mr. Gelek Jamyang, who addressed the gathering by reading the Kashag’s statement on the 35th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The settlement officer also presented a certificate to the student nominated as the best boy of the year at Paonta Sambhota School. In addition, certificates and traditional paintings were awarded to schoolteachers who had completed 25 years of dedicated service. A certificate and incentive were also presented to a staff member of Mentseekhang for completing 25 years of service.
After the certificate presentation, a group of Montessori school students recited various poems to mark the event. At the end of the program, local Tibetan residents visited nearby slum areas to distribute winter clothes to those in need, spreading warmth and compassion on this significant day.