The main guest at the ceremony was Mr. Palden Dhondup, Secretary of the Department of Home, and special guests included Tibetan Parliament members Juchen Konchok Choedon, Serta Tsultrim, and Wangdus Dorje. Other attendees included local leaders from the three Bir settlements, representatives from various organizations and monasteries, as well as two additional secretaries and department heads from the Department of Home.

The ceremony began at 10:30 AM with consecration rituals performed by monks from Chauntra Bum-mang Monastery. The main guest, the Home Secretary, lit the butter lamp and officially opened the old age home. Afterwards, the guests toured the new facility.

During the ceremony, the chief guest spoke about the purpose and benefits of constructing the new Chauntra Dhonden Old Age Home. He noted that unlike other old age homes under the Department of Home, this one was built as a model facility with all modern amenities. He emphasized the importance of connecting younger and older generations, exchanging ideas, and allowing the youth to learn from the experiences of the elders.

The Secretary also stressed the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and history. He suggested that students from local schools should occasionally visit the home to serve the elders by doing tasks like trimming their nails and presenting cultural performances. He advised school principals and representatives to implement such programs.

Furthermore, he instructed the home’s management and staff to care for the residents as if they were their own parents.

The construction costs for this project were primarily funded by the Department of Home, with partial support from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s organization. USAID, The Tibet Fund, and Verein Tibet Freunde provided financial assistance for purchasing equipment for the old age home.