Completed projects

Budget: ₹ 784,000/-
Project Implemented by: Milk Producers’ Co-operative Society Limited
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Tibetan Dickey Larsoe Milk Producers’ Co-operative Society is a registered society of 100 members (approx) established in the year 1983. The Society accumulates milk from settlers and sells directly to Karnataka Milk Cooperative (KMC). With the support from ISDP program, the Milk Co-operative society office was renovated along with purchase of office equipment to function smoothly.

Budget ₹ 1,000,000/-
Project Implemented by: 7 Farmers of Chowkur Camp
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Chowkur camp consists of camp number 15 and 16 under the jurisdiction of Tibetan Dickey Larose (TDL) settlement, Bylakope. Majority of its residents engage in farming. With the support from ISDP program, these farmers have installed two sets of submersible pumps, procured 1000 Litre rubber tanks to store water for agricultural purposes, grass cutters, saws and also purchased seedlings of black pepper, coconut, Lemon, and Melia Dubia to be planted on 25.15 acres of land.

Budget: ₹ 700,000/-
Project Implemented by: Five Individual Members
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

A group consisting of five people with the support from the ISDP program have procured three different types of fruit trees -pomegranate, banana and avocado- to be planted on 18 acres of land. A total 2470 seedlings of banana, 525 seedlings of Avocado and 520 seedlings of pomegranate have been purchased.  These farmers have prepared land and installed submersible pumps to plant these fruits.

Budget: ₹ 1,610,000/-
Project Implemented by: Nyima Gyaltsen (Individual Project Holder)
Year of Implementation:2018-19

Tibetan Dairy Farm is owned by Mr. Nyima Gyaltsen from TDL settlement and the winner of Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development (TED) in 2017. He was running the dairy farm with about 10 cows in a simple cow shed. Through the ISDP program support, he expanded the dairy farm by purchasing and setting up of a proper milk processing parlor to milk cows, bulk milk cooler to store in 100 liters of milk,  milk pouch packing machine (automatic milk pouch packing machine) enabling him sell directly to the customers by keeping these packed pouches in a refrigerator.

Budget: ₹ 1,145,869/-
Project implemented by: Regional Tibetan Women Association (RTWA)
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Lugsam Women Tailoring Centre was founded in 1984 by the Regional Tibetan Women Association (RTWA). They provides tailoring training to Tibetan women who are interested to learn tailoring to become economically independent. ISDP program supported the renovation and improvement of the tailoring center by procuring equipment, and other necessary items to boost the confidence of the current staff and to accommodate new trainees in the future.

Budget: ₹ 600,000/-
Project Implemented by: Seven Individual Members
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

ISDP have provided support to 7 families farmers who have been engage in farming from the last 25 years as the main source of livelihoods. They cultivate about 43 acres of land and have been residing within their agricultural land so that they can look after their lands and crops properly. However, perennial poor irrigation facilities problem due to shortage of rainfall and irregular rainfall causing decline in crops productivity, therefore, ISDP program supported these farmers to rebore their existing bore wells by upgrading irrigation pipes, and procuring submersible pumps for the better irrigation facility for their fields.

Budget: ₹ 600,000/-
Project Implemented by: Seven Individual Members
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Group of 7 families From Lugsam have been cultivating 42 acres of land as the sole income for these families. However, these farmers are on the verge of losing their livelihood due to shortage of water for irrigation. The main cause of the shortage is the depletion of the underground water level, drying of bore well pumps, and scarcity of rainfall and irregular timing of rainfall which is causing inability of the outdated submersible pumps to draw water from the underground. Underground water is the main source of water for the cultivation of crops. The irrigation facility they had installed is damaged and blockage. If the current situation persists, these farmers might have to look for an alternative livelihood.  Therefore, ISDP program has supported them to rebore their existing bore wells by upgrading irrigation pipes, and procuring submersible pumps for the better irrigation facility.

Budget: ₹ 365,000/-
Project implemented by: Five Individual Members and TSO
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

A group of five farmers from Lugsam have proposed to plant Avocado in 9.5 acres of land. These farmers have water pumps and fencing facilities for their fields. Plantation of avocado in the settlement unprecedented, with this they want to a model for the rest of the farmers. With the support from ISDP program, they have purchased 1730 Avocado saplings and 7500 Kgs manure to plant the trees.

Budget: ₹ 832,000/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Settlement Office and farmers
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Through ISDP program support, 23 farmers from Lugsam have received barb wire, stone poles and binding wires for fencing to protect their crops and plants from cattle and wild animals grazing. Due to a huge distance between the farm land and the houses of these farming the only protection of their farm land is by erecting a proper and strong fencing.

Budget: ₹ 3,005,000/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Settlement Office and farmers
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Areca Nut plantation project in Lugsam have benefited over 80 farmers, which was implemented by the Tibetan Settlement Office. These farmers have received Areca Nut seedlings proportional to the possession of acre(s) of land for the plantation. For the total of acres 104.5 of land ISDP program supported the procurement of 55,950 Areca Nut seedlings, 45,000 kgs manure, land preparation and plantation of saplings.

Budget: ₹ 567,300/-
Project Implement by: Camp 10 Leader and Carpentry Centre head
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

A group of newly arrived Tibetan residing in Mungod Camp 10 proposed to establish a carpentry center. ISDP program supported them with the procurement of modern tools, equipment, and other raw materials for the Carpentry center to successfully run the carpentry center and make themselves and the community self-reliant. They make and design furniture, racks, altars, household items, etc.

Budget: ₹ 1,218,000/-
Project Implemented by: AEO, Tibetan Settlement Office and 29 Farmers
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Through the ISDP program support, 29 farmers from different camps in the settlement have received cashew saplings to plant in land area of 50 acre. Cashew is one of the most adaptable fruit trees which has very low maintenance and have very less chances getting plant related diseases. There are many varieties of cashew but the cashew Vengurla-4 is the most suitable to grow in the region and has good market price as compared to other varieties. The ISDP program has also supported farmers to procure barb wire, manure, pit digging, and fencing. The Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) under Tibetan Settlement office supervised the entire project work.

Budget: ₹ 1,200,000/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Settlement Office and Camp leaders
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

TSO Mundgod office had proposed to dig bore-well recharge pits for the respective camps with the specific design. This project was executed under the expert guidance of watershed management and supervised by the Settlement office. Through proposed priority, the community had planned to dig a bore well recharge pit to check the depletion and increase the underground water level. This will help the community to avoid and facilitate the drinking water problem of Mundgod settlement.

Budget: ₹ 289,500/-
Project implemented by: Tibetan Settlement Office and Project Committee
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Residents of Camp No. 4, Odisha settlement are active and determinant farmers and have been cultivating in government allotted agricultural land since the establishment of the settlement. They mainly cultivate maize which is also their main source of income/livelihood. A total 350 acres of lease land and land of other Tibetan farmer are cultivated by these farmers every year. The main problem is the process of peeling corn after harvesting and dehusking it, hence they proposed to procure these machines. With the support from ISDP program, Camp no. 4 had procured corn peeling and corn dehusking machines which made it easier for the farmers.

Budget: ₹ 382,500/-
Project implemented by: Five Individual Members
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Cashew is one of the favorable fruit trees grown successfully in the region.  It is a rich sources of vital vitamins, minerals and proteins and has very lucrative market, thus, one can expect a good return in future for it and about 92% of the trees are yielded in the third year. The average yield per tree increases from about 2 kg at 3-5 years to 4  kg at 6-10 years and then to  5-10 kg  when the trees are 11-15 years of age.  Raw cashew sells at Rs.70 per Kg. A group had already planted few cashew, mango, guava and lemon trees in 5 acres of leased land from their own resources.  However, this group couldn’t plant more trees as they lack drip irrigation and fencing of fruit orchards due to insufficient funds.  Therefore, ISDP program supported bore well equipment procurement and installation of bore well.

Budget: ₹ 650,000/-
Project Implemented by: Eight Women Group
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Eight women came up collectively to establish a tailoring center since there are no tailoring shops in the settlement. Residents had no place to stitch Tibetan traditional attires, school uniforms and had to get them stitched either in Delhi or Dharamshala with high cost. With the support from ISDP program, they renovated a building to set up a tailoring center. Procured various machines and items for a tailoring center. Besides this, the project became an employment source for few young and unemployed ladies to use their skills to earn a source of livelihood.

Budget: ₹ 1,200,000/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Settlement Office
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Bhandara community hall which is located at camp no. 2 (near TSO office) is being used by the residents as well as the school children for various cultural, religious, and social gatherings. However, the condition of the hall was very poor; dilapidated roof and walls. Moreover furniture in the hall were rusted and the PA system was more or less broken. With the support from ISDP program, they renovated the existing hall and purchased necessary furniture and PA system.  Improved community hall provided a congenial environment for the residents to carry out various activities and occasions without any hindrance.

Budget: ₹ 224,000/-
Project Implemented by: Ms. Tenzin Sangmo (Individual Project Holder)
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Tenzin Sangmo is a well-certified beautician. She saw a great prospect in running a small beauty parlor for self-employment and to provide a parlor service to the community especially youngsters. She established a salon of her own about two years ago and she applied for financial assistance to upgrade her beauty parlor to provide more services to the people. With the support from ISDP, she has successfully upgraded the parlor by procuring the salon’s steaming and waxing equipment, products and necessary furnitures.

Budget: ₹ 300,000/-
Project Implemented by: Mr. Lobsang Dhondup (Individual Project Holder)
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

The highway which connects Guwahati/Tezpur to Bomdila/Tawang runs through the settlement. With the perfect site and absence of any garage service that puts the people traveling on the highway in great trouble, therefore, Mr. Lobsang Dhondup, a longtime former driver for the Tibetan settlement office planned to set up a service center that provides tire repairing and welding center. Mr. Lobsang believed himself to be the apt person to do so with his more than sixteen years of driving experience. With the support from ISDP program, he has procured necessary equipment and supplies required for the center.

Budget: ₹ 6,00,000/-
Project Implemented by: TLPPC
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Unlike other Tibetan settlements, Kalimpong is a scattered Tibetan community and elders have struggled a lot to preserve and promote Tibetan language and culture. They established Mani Lhakhang (Prayer hall) to promote and preserve Tibetan language and organize cultural gatherings on different occasions for celebration and impart knowledge about Tibet and Tibetan identity especially to the younger generation. In 1970-80s, Tibetans started focusing more on their own business and livelihood; their children were sent to other medium language schools. Thus, cultural and language assimilation occurrences started with locals, and also a huge number of Tibetans married to non-Tibetans. At present, many of their younger generations are not able to communicate in Tibetan and they are discriminated against due to lack of proper guidance on Tibetan identity due to the ignorance of their parents.

The urgency of instituting a Tibetan language preservation committee was strongly felt, therefore, a committee was formed in April, 2019. Sunday Tibetan Language class is one of the important activities being carried out by the committee which was commenced since 14th July 2019 to teach these youngsters Tibetan languages, culture, and religion. The committee is happy to see that within a short period it has received an overwhelmingly positive response from students (Tibetan and Non-Tibetan). ISDP program supported to procure furniture, equipment and teachers’ honorarium for Sunday Tibetan language classes.

Budget: ₹ 500,000/-
Project Implemented by: Individual Project Holder
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Tibetan breads that the beneficiary sells are very unique in the market and have been well received by people so far. It was noticed that all the present customers are willing to pay any set price because of the proper hygiene and superior quality of the bread. Currently, the beneficiary is profiting handsomely and wishes to expand the business to satisfy increasing customer demand and earn more.

Budget: ₹ 500,000/-
Project Implemented by: Individual Project Holder
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Tsampa is not only consumed by the Tibetan people but all the local people in and around Darjeeling. The beneficiary of the project has been well received and largely purchased by people from many places like Ghoom, Darjeeling, Mirik, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Sonada, Namchi, Sukhia, Rimbick, etc. The beneficiary sells many variants of Tsampa made from Barley, Chickpea, maize, etc. and their price varies accordingly. Since the demand for Tsampa production is growing rapidly, the beneficiary is unable to fulfill the emerging demand on time. Therefore, with the support from ISDP program beneficiary procured extra machineries and other supplies to meet the growing demand for Tsampa in time with ease.

Budget: ₹ 1,084,485/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Co-operative Society, Sonada
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

The settlement’s community hall which is being used by the residents as well as the school children for various formal and informal gatherings such as social and religious purposes, however the hall is in bad condition with very poor amenities. They were facing problems like power break down, failure of the audio system, and lack of space when there were more people coming for the gatherings. ISDP program supported to renovate the hall and procure equipment for the hall to organize any kinds of gatherings.

Budget: ₹ 143,000/-
Project Implemented by: TSO and Local Project Committee
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Lhonak Tibetan community is situated in an isolated and remote area in North Sikkim. The inaccessibility to the outside facilities is the core problem faced by residents of the Lhonak community. Residents often gather for functions, prayer sessions, and celebration of important festivals and the only place where residents come together under a single roof in the community hall. The existing hall is in fair condition but lacks amenities. The procurement and facilitation of kitchen items and furniture for the community hall will improve community gatherings and services. During the visit of dignitaries, the community will be enabled to prepare for a warm reception with the full amenities. ISDP program provided necessary kitchen equipment and facilities.

Budget: ₹ 2,951,625/-
Project Implemented by: Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), TSO
Year of Implementation: 2018-2019

Tenzingang is a small settlement located in a hilly and remote area in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The main livelihood is cultivation, moreover, Kiwi is one of the most important temperate fruit crops grown successfully in this area. The farmers are taking interest in the kiwi plantation for their sustainable living. Kiwis are rich in sources of Vitamin B, C, and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. The demand for Kiwi is high and has good and easy marketing in other parts of the North East, especially in Assam and Meghalaya states. However, the maintenance cost is quite expensive, hence residents/farmers of the settlement proposed the procurement of T-bar and wire since these materials are quite expensive. ISDP program provided 69 farmers/residents T-bar and wires to support their kiwi plants.

Budget: ₹ 565,437/-
Project Implemented by: TSO and Local Project Committee
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Tibetan settlers at Gaccham came from Tsona region of Tibet in the 1950s with their long-standing iron handicraft tradition inherited from their ancestors. This traditional iron-handicraft is considered as an integral part of their livelihood and unique culture of this region as well and the current generations have carried on the same tradition with strong sentiments and efforts till the date with proving that their handicraft products have been serving as an indispensable home accessories, kitchen items, and agriculture-tools to tens of thousands of Arunachal inhabitants for the last 60 years. However, they do not get much profit from this venture except for their day to day life expenses, hence they could not upgrade their working space and tools, therefore, ISDP program supported 19 beneficiaries to upgrade their working tools, equipment and procuring raw materials.

Total budget: ₹ 184,000/-
Project Implemented by: Kalimpong Tibetan Opera Association
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Kalimpong Tibetan Opera Association is the oldest opera association in exile and it was instituted in 1959. It has a training center, performing both traditional music and dance and opera with the main objective of preserving Tibetan traditional opera by showcasing the Tibetan art to the world and training young Tibetan at the same time.  Many youngsters are taking part in opera practice and training provided by KTOA from the last many years. ISDP program assisted to procure extra musical instruments and necessary items for KTOA.

Budget: ₹ 182,920/-
Project Implemented by: An Individual Project Holder
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

An ex SFF serviceman started this business in the year 2014 to support his family after his retirement. He started making Tibetan bread and snacks (Khapse) and selling on the footpath and supplies to the local market. Tibetan Bread and Snacks (Khapse) are unique and locals are very fond of Tibetan made products. Most of the indigenous people in the area are Buddhist and celebrate Tibetan Losar giving his business a peak time with a handsome as a source of livelihood for his family especially his children’s education. ISDP program supported the beneficiary in procuring kitchen equipment required such as dough kneading machine, noodle making machine, gas oven, cooking pot and wooden table.

Budget: ₹ 200,000/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Co-operative Society
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

There are no stationary shops that provide printing and photocopy services in and around the settlement. Residents of the settlement have to walk around 2 km to avail these facilities which are often costly and time consuming. The co-operative society has taken the initiative to provide these services by buying a multi-functional photocopier machine at a reasonable price. It will also generate a moderate income to the co-operative society.

Budget: ₹ 350,000/-
Project Implemented by: 7 Hawker business women
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Hawker business is one of the main sources of income for many of the Tibetan from Kunphenling Tibetan settlement for a very long time. They display their commodities once in a week during hay in a shed to sell their products.  Ravangla is a very rainy place where it rains most of the time of year and without a proper shelter they are facing quite a hard time so as to continue their age-old business they planned to make a temporary and portable iron stall to shelter themselves and their products during any time of the season.

Budget: ₹ 500,000/-
Project Implemented by: Six Associations, Gangtok
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

The six associations i.e. Tibetan Freedom Movement (TFM), 3 associations of representing three provinces of Tibet (Dotoe, Domey, and Utsang), Regional Tibetan Women Association (RTWA) and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) are major associations in the region working for the welfare of the Tibetan residing in the state and organize all the official functions and other activities for the people. Although the association is supported by Cho-ka-sum, a union, who provides a hall for functions, meetings, gatherings, training, and workshops. This association does not have any electrical and audiovisual equipment of their own. Most of their funds are incurred on renting and hiring above mentioned items for any kind of large gatherings. They believed that with the procurement of the equipment needed they would be able to save some of the association’s general fund for the future efficient and effective endeavor, hence, ISDP program assisted this association to purchase these equipment.

Budget: ₹ 250,000/-
Project Implemented by: Tibetan Sunday school
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Tibetans in Gangtok are living in a very scattered amid local people. There is no separate cohesive settlement like other Tibetan settlements. Therefore, people are compelled to talk in local languages and moreover, there aren’t any separate Tibetan schools in Gangtok where Tibetan children can learn the Tibetan language and culture. Therefore, the Tibetan identity is facing gradual assimilation. There is not a single place in the area for children to learn the Tibetan language and music, hence, few volunteers took upon themselves to preserve Tibetan identity, and culture, language, and traditional music practice to the younger generation. ISDP program supported in procuring various Tibetan traditional musical instruments to assist those children who come for Tibetan language classes on every Sunday.

Budget: ₹ 400,000/-
Project Implemented by: TSO Kalimpong
Year of Implementation: 2019-20

Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO) in every Tibetan settlement plays a vital role of serving as a representative of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in looking after the welfare of the people. However, there is no reserved fund to carry any out any minor or major renovation project for TSO and therefore, ISDP program procured office equipment such as computer, UPS (battery backup), wooden shelf and photocopier machine as well as supported for a minor renovation of the office such as flooring, wall painting and wall coverings.

Budget: ₹ 700,000/-
Project Implemented by: Five Individual Members
Year of Implementation: 2018-19

Tibetans are living in different parts of scattered regions of Darjeeling settlement and most of them are engaged into small businesses for a source of livelihood. Many of them are street vendors who sell their products by displaying in a shed beside roadside. Their business has been affected dramatically after the government ordered them to shift their market to a very remote area. Due to which there are very few customers visiting the area. Moreover the shops are smaller in size without much space to display their products. They are hopeful about improving their business to the former stature by procuring necessary equipment and materials. ISDP program supported these street vendors to procure their sale products, trolley and battery.