It is in our nature, as human beings to desire better, if possible the best in our life. No one desires failure. As a student, I have my own desire to shape my level of intellect, my growth and embrace change for a brighter future. I have fervently pursued this the past many years.
I was first introduced to LMAD (Let’s Make a Difference) by one of my classmates but I wasn’t really interested back then. Later, I was selected to participate in the Global Vision for Young Tibetans Conference in December 2015 organized by Empowering the Vision (ENVISION). I have attended many workshops and conferences before but none of them was as fulfilling as the Global Vision for Young Tibetans Conference. The programmes led to the beginning of many changes in my life.
So this year, I applied for LMAD and got selected along with nine other candidates. I was informed that despite my age being on the upper limit I was given a chance as my cover letter conveyed a strong “sense of purpose to join the programme”. So here I was all happy and ready to embrace this wonderful opportunity that came my way. I couldn’t wait to embark on this journey.
After the initial orientation at ENVISION office where the expectation as Tibetan and ENVISION candidates was spelled out, 10 of us joined by ENVISION staff coordinator reported at the Panchgani centre for the Conference on 31st May evening.
The program started on 1st of June with a morning session of a light exercise. This was then followed up by some instructions for ‘Quite time’ on our own. Honestly, I was bored and could never understand the importance of sitting alone and listening to oneself in silence. But, gradually by the third day, after listening to other students who shared their thoughts, I was motivated to persevere. Soon I realized I could do it too. The program truly believes that we should change ourselves first before attempting to change anyone or anything.
We were then introduced to a few principles like ‘Unselfishness’ and ‘Love’, and their significance to living a meaningful life. The Impact of hatred and selfishness can be seen in today’s era, so many things that need to change. So I felt strongly with students from different parts of India together at the Conference, as a sense of belonging and sharing was encouraged and strengthened.
The other days, experiences shared by IAS Officers and IPS officers were very inspiring and the play “Shrimad Rajchandra” was extraordinary. Being born in the eighties, I have written lots and lots of letter to my family and friends during my primary and secondary education but gradually with the advancement of the internet the conventional practice of writing letter diminished. At LMAD this was revived as we were asked to write a post card to friends and family. In fact, we also had to write a letter to self which was very awkward and I couldn’t finish writing entirely despite having already written four pages… such was the impact!
What I learned from this program is that we should not be afraid of loneliness as most of us do instead we can use it as life changing process. We should always try to be more and more kind and share our love and goodness whenever there is an opportunity. I learnt that change should start with me and then influence others through my practice.
I would finally like to thank Empowering the Vision Office for giving me the opportunity to take part in both of their wonderful programmes/initiatives – LMAD this year and the Global Vision for Young Tibetans in 2015. Their Vision to strengthen the Tibetan community through empowering the youth is commendable. The work and the effort of Empowering the Vision to bring about change in Tibetan Youth by training, educating and by shaping them through various programmes are very much appreciated. I hope ENVISION will continue empowering Tibetan youths in exile and that I commit to be at their call to volunteer in any of their programmes.