| Remote Tibetan settlement Sha Wa Ra Sum (three tibetan settlement in remote area of Nepal
1) Sha means Solukhumbu
INTRODUCTION OF DELEKLING TIBETAN SETTLEMENT, SOLUKHUMBU.
1. Back Ground:-
In the wake of Tibetan Uprising in March 10th 1959, and the resultant Chinese forceful occupation and ruthless and brutal killing that followed the exodus of Tibetans to neighboring countries. Leaving behind their own properties and land thousand of Tibetans crossing the most formidable Khumbhu Gangla in the region of Sangarmatha Anchal. 0ne of the highest mountain passes in the Himalayas ranges where human beings cross the passes. Hundreds of Thousand Tibetans from neighboring Tibetan Dingri region left their motherland in order to escape from Chinese tyranny and terror, were scattered throughout the Khumbhu area the land of Sherpas. When the Tibetan Government in exile, under the leadership of H.H. the Dalai Lama finally took foothold in Dharamsala in India. Tibetan Refugees world wide began to resettle in the camps with help and guidance from the respective host Nation and numerous international humanitarian aid organizations. Under the auspices and co-ordination of Nepal Government resettlement of Tibetans roaming in Nepal began in 1960. In 1961 under resettlement program Delek Ling Tibetan Settlement was established at Chialsa, Solu Khumbhu District at the height of 27750 meter from the see level, and this settlement is also located in one of the most remote regions of Nepal where we have Tibetan settlements established in the Kingdom of Nepal. Swiss Red Cross paid money for buying lands in the name of Nepal Red Cross. Although place is in remote area but an ideal place for Tibetans to settle, with aggregate of 100 acres of agricultural land. The settlement 0fficer was appointed to look after the Tibetan Refugee families living scattered cluster areas of Namche Bazaar vicinity. This settlement is having no link of motor able roads from any big city of Nepal. For any one visiting this settlement, it can be reached by air flying from Kathmandu to Phaplu direct. From Phaplu one can reach settlement by three to four hours by walk. 0ne can also fly from Biratnagar to Phaplu. One can go road from Kathmandu to Bandar via Jiri. Then one has to walk to Settlement two to three days. Now day a rough road from Katari is connected to Selleri a District Headquarters, which is two hour walking distance. But this road is very dangerous, especially during summer and it take three day by bus from Kathamndu.
In the beginning of 1963, the international committee of Red Cross withdrew from the scene and as requited by Nepal government the Swiss Government continued the aid program stared by ICRC. The active Swiss technical, financial and personal aids remained with Tibetans in Nepal for a decade. The Swiss Association for Technical Assistant (SATA) initiated handicraft and agricultural projects with the aim of making the refugees self-supporting in due course. With funds from Swiss multiple projects were executed like purchasing 100 acres of farm land. Mud mortars with shingle roof were built. A carpet handicraft Centre was set up for economic survivable. Majority families were evolved in carpet making and farming as it was the easiest work to do in an alien country. Beside that, the region was fitted to the people for doing odd business for their living. A primary school was set up much before the carpet Handicraft Centre. 0ne of the early children who studied in Chailsa is Kngop Ngodup la a cabinet Minister of Tibetan government in exile. In addition, two monasteries forming an essential part of the Tibetans’ life were established with volunteer labor. A dispensary offering good medical services was created. In a net shell from the beginning of settlement till early 70’s Chialsa was one of the best Tibetan Refugee Settlements in Nepal. The whole community benefited from the fruit of good discipline and hard work. At the time of first resettling of Tibetans in Camp there were over 150 Tibetan families more 1000 Tibetans were living in Chialsa excluding people living in a scattered are near Chailsa.
Rise and down fall is natural phenomena so as lured by the flourished of the carpet business in Kathmandu Valley, so many young energetic and enterprising people left Chailsa for the greener big pastures. In early 80’s various feasible long time and short term income generating were under taken. Concrete stone wall with GI sheet roof were built for the inmates of the Settlements. Fruit trees plantation were initially stated. The success in business achieved by those people who migrated to Kathmandu became as encouraging beacon for those still in Chailsa. No amount of motivation and regulations worked to retain those people, who cannot be blamed for searching for a better livelihood and prospects. The number of people moving from the settlement continued to increase in sequent years. With loss of population, the quality of community life took downward swing. Exodus situation continued to prevail during the year 1997 to 2000. Even migrating to Kathmandu is not stopped yet today. A census taken May 2009 reveals that there 95 and representing 25 families currently living in Chialsa. An assessment of the population by age is as
Total 95
Governing Council;-
Since its inception the settlement is divided into 5 groups (Tsongchungs) each presided over by one representative (Tsongchung gopas) elected for a one-year term. Elected representative helps to solve problems within their groups, decide issues, as well as disseminate information. A Tsongchung meets twice monthly –the full moon day and the last day of the Tibetan (lunar) calendar month – to say prayers. Read news circulars, and discuss matters of community interest. A higher governing council, called Le Thue Tsogdu, consisting of twelve members – the abbot of the Monastery, School headmaster, meets occasionally under the chairmanship of the settlement Officer now known as Shawara Settlement 0ffice when they pay visit to area. This assembly concerns itself with issues and problems that are otherwise unresolved in the sub-committees, and also approves necessary guidelines and regulations. All affairs are conducted in a democratic manner. The overall administrative responsibility is under Shawara office, who is appointed by the Government in Exile, Dharamsala.
Principle Assistance offices:
The Tibetan Government in Exile, under the leadership of H. H. the Dalai Lama, has its headquarters in Dharamsala, India. From there, all Tibetan Settlement and institutions throughout the world are administered. The Government’s various departments, bureaus, and office maintain contacts and relationship with numerous international organizations. Through this, the Government is able to coordinate and direct appropriate foreign aid and assistance into all sectors of the Tibetan community.
An important aspect within this governmental structure are H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Representatives, who act as Ambassadors to many countries worldwide. In Nepal, H.H Representative is located in the office of Tibet, Gaden Kangsar, Kathmandu. From this office, the primary coordination of activities concerning the welfare of the fourteen settlements, as well as the many Tibetan living throughout Nepal, is administered. In conjunction with the office of Tibet, the Snow Lion foundation coordinates activities specific to health education and social welfare. This foundation is officially registered with Nepal Government, and is thereby granted the privilege to receive and channel economic and foreign aid assistance. The Chialsa settlement in particular, one of the first settlements established with the assistance of the Swiss Government, has now not have a close working relationship with SATA (Swiss Association for Technical Assistance) in Nepal. Thanks to the combined efforts all the concern aid organization and individual donor agencies, the Chailsa settlement, despite its decreased population, continues to undergo a positive transition towards future stability as an integrated, self-reliant community.
Economic
Sources of income; over the years, the primary source of income and economic backbone of this settlement has been the carpet industry till 2000. In 2000 carpet industry was closed due to heavy loss. Now settlers are engaged in small businesses, field work where they grow mainly potatoes, some are engaged horticulture the remainder are entirely dependant upon the odd work, or a nominal allowance from Snow Lion foundation. Since the closing of carpet industry obviously jeopardizes the economic stability of the entire community. There is no single significant income generating project to be planned for entire long run income. Lack of job opportunity and less diversification and expansion of economic enterprises would serve to enhance both the general community security as well as its economic future. This diversification would also allow for the incorporation of those community members possessing a variety of aptitudes and skills applicable beyond those required by the carpet industry. We again lack of young people in the field of horticulture and modern method of fruit processing.
Cooperative society:
the cooperative society, founded with the aim of becoming a second source of income, began successfully with the undertaking of various small and profitable businesses, but its’ performance also declined over the years in accordance with the decreases in population. Currently both of restaurant and community general store are on private lease due to the lack of capital fund and qualified personnel.
Horticulture:
From 1992 to 1995, five horticulture gardens were set up for future diversification of income and diversification of job opportunities for the settlers. With financial help from IM, Sweden in total around 2500 fruits trees like apple, pear, peaches and plums are surviving with full swing. Fruit trees are growing abundant. Vehicle road is just two hours walk from our settlement. God saw our hard work for maintaining the orchards.
Education:
One of the principle pillars of any society is education. This is of particulars importance to the Tibetans as a minority community- a people without a country aspiring to preserve their unique heritage and ethnic identity while simultaneously existing within a foreign country and culture
School:
The Tibetan operated school, which was established even before the handicraft centre. But in 1974 unfortunately reverted to an HMG administered school under the new education plan of 1974, and remained thus until the end of 1985.The academic quality of the school suffered greatly during this period. Under the seventh amendment rules, 1981, the school was returned to Tibetan administration, and is operating with the financial support of the Snow Lion foundation. At present, there are 180 students; only 10 Tibetan and rest are local Nepalese distributed in 7 classes, inclusive of 2 sections of kindergarten, and eight teachers 5 Tibetan and 3 Nepalese. Under our own administration, not only has the manner of dispensing education been improved, but also, the entire development of activities within the school had taken a great leap forward. The SLF has started to totally reconstruct the school buildings, which remain in very poor, dilapidated condition. The Teacher salary and staff of the school is paid by SLF.
Hostel:
In 1973, with generous aid from Mrs A. N Tigerstedt, a Swedish lady, a hostel was established specifically for the children of very poor families, and those who attend the school from the Namche area, where over 100 Tibetans are now located. In 1993 July late Mrs. A.N. Tigerstedt withdrew her financial support due her old age and she could not raise the needed funds. Since then we had been trying to find individual sponsor for children who are stay in Hostel and it was continued till today. Today we have 45 boarders with 26 boys and 19 girls – 4 staff members and a committee which oversees its management. The operating cost of the hostel is managed by individual contributions and sponsorship funds for individual sponsorship money received. Surplus over expenditures were managed by SLF.
By gone days we have adult Literacy: over forty percent of the settlement people read and write Tibetan. Many have learned some English and Nepali through attending night school. Now this program is not prevailing.
Social welfare:
Due to the large number of elderly within the Chialsa community, the establishment of social welfare programs is crucial. But it could not materialize due to the lack of social fund. For enabling supplementary their low income, we give them old people’s stipend to each individual old people monthly. Currently 28 elderly people receiving a monthly allowance of 450 – 800 a combined contribution from Snow Lion Foundation and other donor agency, those who are living with their families.
OLD PEOPLE HOME:
For the very old people infirm or handicapped and single, without families or caretakers. We have small old people’s Home. At present we have 6 old people are living in our old people home with three men and three ladies. They were taken care by one cook and one helper and one procurer. The expenditure this project is entirely given by one Swiss lady through Snow Lion Foundation.
Health Care:-
Clinics: Thanks to the cold climate and unpolluted environment, most of the people of Chailsa are comparatively healthy. There have been only one or two isolated cases of tuberculosis in early days. Vitamin deficiency, dental Care, and in summer, parasitic problems are quite common. Tibetan medical clinic station at Thupten Choeling sponsored by the Tibetan Medical Centre, Dharamsala is responsible for taking care of Tibetan Medicine and she visit camp in every end of month. Though inadequate, the settlement also has a small health clinic run by a trained community health worker. The nominal, annual fund (Rs 6000) for the purchasing of medicine is provided by Department of Health Dharamsala , while the health worker’s salary is paid Department of Health too. For the treatment of more extensive health problems, the patient must be taken to Phaplu, about 4 hours walk downhill, where there is a public hospital founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. Since many people are reluctant to travel to Phaplu for treatment, there is an acute need for the upgrading of the standards of personnel, services, and equipment of the dispensary. It is important to add, as an emphasis upon qualified training, that dispensary personnel will also be responsible for the creation and implementation of general community health education programs.
Housing, Sanitation, Water and Electricity:
Housing:
The majority of houses in Chialsa were constructed in 1986 requiring frequent maintenance –especially the wooden beam with flooring planks. Due to strong wind blowing during spring and heavy rain fall in summer had spoiled major part of GI sheet roofs. Many of homes needs GI repairing.
Sanitation:
Till last year, there are no systematized, water delivery systems, or contained toilet facilities in Chialsa. We made individual decompose toilet. We are sure it had made the individual family happy for health as well as for fertilizer.
Water:
There exist two perennial, main water sources- open springs that run through open drainage channels – from which the people take their drinking water supply. This water is extremely vulnerable to both natural and induced contamination. The water flow is also inconsistent with seasonal changes and community demands. This situation presents obvious health and hygienic hazards’ to all; consequently. Proper containment and delivery systems are urgently needed.
Electricity:
The Salleri-Chialsa Small Hydre-electricity Power Station, financed by the Swiss Government, it had been completed in 1987 and had been supplying electricity since January 1987. The electricity system is Swiss system and it is suppose best electricity in Nepal. So we have problem of light during the night.
The electrification of Chialsa had been a stepping stone to improving the overall life-style of this community. It will enable us to begin many power-related projects, as well as help to preserve the ecological balance of the area, boost production, and improve the general standard of living. All of this will combine to greatly enhance the attractiveness of this settlement to other Tibetans.
Religion and Culture:
In general, Tibetans regard the preservation and transmission of their religion and culture as an integral component to their life-style and ethnic identity. Again, this is particularly crucial in light of their refugee status and circumstance- especially when considering that an entire generation of young Tibetans have grown up outside of the tradition of young Tibetans have grown up outside of the traditions inherent to Tibet; consequently, the continuation of their cultural heritage is somewhat in jeopardy. Their strong desire and intention to someday return to their homeland, Tibet also serves to reinforce this need.
Over the years, Chialsa has been barely able to sustain a Monastery, traditional performing arts, and Tibetan medicine as viable components within the education and activities of its community.
Monastery:
The Thupten Shedup Chhoeling:
A Gelugpa monastery, contains 33 monks and an abbot. This monastery is situated in our settlement. The monastery provides sojong-communion- service on every full moon day. The main source of livelihood of the monks is the offering they receive by conducting puja services and donor agency through their head monastery. Majority of young novices are local Nepalese and were also given modern education. This Monastery is branch of Kupan Monastyery in Kathmandu. So there is no financial problem Monastery had recently build concrete monks residential quarter.
Thupten Choeling:
A Nyingma monastery is situated near Jumbese 5-6 hors walk from Chialsa. Trulshig Rinpoche a highly respect Nyingma Lama had established Monastery. To the very old and infirm monks and Nun we used to give old people stipend only for supplementary income. Rest of monks and nuns, they try to survive on conducting puja and reciting religious book and money offered by individuals for performing prayers. The inmates of this Monastery are below.
Total 404
Scattered cluster:
Since coming into exile so many Tibetans are living in scattered cluster areas in the vicinity of Namche Bazaar. Here we have one Geluk nunnery with inmates of 32 nuns and Head Lama along with his assistant and one secretary monks. Inmates are getting religious teaching as well as they learn English when some Volunteer Teachers are available. We have one Sakya Monastery also where there are 15 inmates. Rest of Tibetans are doing off work for their living. Comparatively people here are doing well as the area falls under Tourist trekking area. Here do not have Tibetan school. Children were given education either Chialsa Mount Everest School or Namgyal Middle School in Kathmadu.
Population as under
Count
Total 171
Performing Arts:
The social elements of Tibetan culture are sustained through community participation in the performance of traditional drama and dance. Once there were over 60 members in the settlement’s performing Arts Troupe, which performs on an average of ten important calendar occasions. But with loss of young people now only few young ladies left. So occasionally they perform dew dances.
In the past, the participation of the school children due performs the culture dance with much emphasized but again with Tibetan children it became a hard job too. But we do not leave hard jobs there and do our best to teach Tibetan Traditional dance and songs to local children too.
Environment and Ecology:
Nepal’s extensive environment and ecological problems – erosion, deforestation, and land-use and water management – are well known, and elaboration of this topic is beyond our scope. We emphasized in the general needs and contributions necessary to the Chailsa community’s efforts to understand and incorporate this aspect effectively. Obviously, initial community recognition and awareness to the existence of these problems, and their ramifications, is essential to appropriate design and successful implementation of all community projects. Every facet of the community is, in some way, either contributing to or influenced by these considerations; consequently, basic, preliminary educational programs specific to each area of the community’s activities must be given highest priority. For last few years we did our best to forestations were done in our area where there is empty land lying beside Horticulture.
Every effort has been made to include environmental impact considerations within all proposals and future planning. Since this is a very recent adjunct, we appreciate any suggestions you might make in furthering our efforts.
CONCLUSTION:
Tibetans fled their homeland with the hope that they will one day they will be able to live in an independent Tibet. The Tibetan settlements had been established as an important means by which these people preserve their heritage and convey it to their younger generations. Because of economic pressures and difficult living conditions, the populations of these communities have declined over the years with so many people moving to the cities where they often find an easier and more profitable livelihood. As these communities erode, so does their cultural cohesion and, in due course, their Tibetan identity.
In the case of Chialsa, if the much needed improvements and changes are brought in with a sense of urgency there remains no doubt that the Chialsa community will rise once again as one of the best Tibetan settlements in Nepal. There will surely come a time, in the near future, when the Tibetan refugees struggling in the cities will opt to come and live in Chialsa - an easier and more peaceful life – where they can propagate and preserve their unique heritage. We still work towards the day when the Tibetan refugees will return to live happily in an independent Tibet.
  2) RA means Rasuwa 
1. Back Ground:-
In the wake of Tibetan Uprising in March 10th 1959, and the resultant Chinese forceful occupation and ruthless and brutal killing that followed the exodus of Tibetans to neighboring countries. Leaving behind their own properties and land thousand of Tibetans crossed in the region of Rasuwa District not very far from Tibet. Hundreds of Thousand Tibetans from neighboring Kyirong District left their motherland in order to escape from Chinese tyranny and terror were scattered throughout the Rasuwa a land of Tamang having same culture and language. When the Tibetan Government in exile, under the leadership of H.H. the Dalai Lama finally took foothold in Dharamsala in India. Tibetan Refugees world wide began to resettle in the camps with help and guidance from the respective host Nation and numerous international humanitarian aid organizations. Under the auspices and co-ordination of Nepal Government resettlement of Tibetans roaming in Nepal began in 1960. In 1961 under resettlement program Gey Geyling Tibetan Settlement was established in the district by Nepal Red Cross society, and this settlement is more like housing settlement as there is no farm land. Procurement of land for housing was paid by Nepal Red Cross. In old days there were no vehicle road connected and area was under developed. Since the road was made this area made past development and area falls under tourist trekking area. For any one visiting this settlement, it can be reached by direct bus or car from Kathmandu Shabru Bense. Now road from to Tibetan Border is connected and over flow of Chinese are working on the road development project sites. Tibetans are living in four camps and two scattered cluster area of Langtang and Timuri very close to Tibet.
Living quarters were initially built stone mud with shingle roofs. In 1998 reconstruction were done with funds from EU. Now houses are having GI sheet roofing. Due to the location of area only few families migrate to Kathmandu. Still 42 families are living in Rasuwa. Some of the families are having hotels and many of them are having cows, therefore they live with animals in the mountains. A carpet handicraft Centre was set up for economic survivable. But long ago it was closed due to lack of weavers. Majority families were evolved running hotels, small store, raring animals and doing pity business the easiest work to do in an alien country. The region was fitted to the people for doing odd business for their living. A primary school was set up much before the housing projects were carried out. Hostel facility is available for the children. Tibet for Ever from Switzerland and Sol Himal from France are responsible for the sponsorship for the children. There no hardship for sponsorship to children of Rasuwa. A dispensary offering good medical services was created.
A census taken May 2009 reveals that there 214 and representing 42 families currently living in Geygeyling Settlement. An assessment of the population by age is as
Total 214
CURRENT ACTIVITIES:
Gey Geyling settlement is trying its best to preserve its Tibetan community’s identity and working hard in this fast growing area. As there is no land for further development and people are doing well for their living individually. We are concentrating in the field of Education, Health and Old and infirm people.
SCHOOL:
Education is back bone of our society. First priority we Tibetans made in exile was education. As first schools were set for the children and later settlements were established, along with establishment of settlements monasteries were built mostly by individual Head Lamas with volunteer money. So we had set up school at Shabru but in late 70’s government of Nepal taken controlling of school under their education policy. Later with lack of fund for purchasing land for School our children attending Nepal which is having class XII. Since Tibetan Language is not allow to teach in Nepal Government run School. We have special class in the morning and evening for the Tibetan children to learnt Tibetans. As standard of English and mathematic is not good in Nepalese school we also teach extra class for the children along with Tibetan. At present we 28 Tibetan and 60 local are attending Tibetan class up to class V. After finishing class V Tibetan children come down to Kathmandu and joined Namgyal High School for higher class. Four Tibetan teachers evolved in Teaching Tibetan extra English and Math. Rest subjects were taught during the normal class along with Nepalese children by Nepalese teachers. Teacher salary and school running costs were borne by Snow Lion Foundation.
HOSTEL:
Since Tibetan camps are situated far away from the school. It is rather hard to send children to school. So, to solve the children attending from far off places, we built hostel for children and hostel facilities were provided. All the Tibetan children regardless of places they all are living in Hostel. For caring children two foster mothers and a cook were appointed. Over all management is supervised by this office but day to day activities Headmaster is responsible for managing the Hostel. For procuring the food stuff we have two elected local representatives.
HEALTH CLINIC:
Thanks to the cold climate and sparsely-populated environment of Pholay. The majority of the Tibetan settlers are comparatively healthy. There were two cases of cancer deaths in camp. However, the health complications due to vitamin deficiency, parasitic diarrhea, VTI disease, and cold and cough problem are quite common in summer. The Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama had trained Master Tashi Tsering as health Worker and employed him as a Health worker. His salary and minimum of Rs.6000 as running expenditures of the health clinic were paid by DOH. . However, for severe illnesses, the patients have to go to Kathmandu. Since there are no trained nurses, women face hardship and complication during child birth and after birth. In fact the great God saw the problems so there has been no case of death relating with birth till now in our settlement.
INCOME-GENERATING ACTIVITIES:
Over the years, the primary source of income and economic backbone of the settlement has been Hotel, small store, rearing of animal, weaving of traditional woolen cloths. About 30 elderly people are getting nominal old age allowance of Nrs 1000/00 per person is getting from different aid organization. Although rupees one thousand is not enough to meet all needs of the old people but we have no alternative to get more funds for elder people to solve their hardship.
CONCLUSTION:
Tibetans fled their homeland with the hope that they will one day they will be able to live in an independent Tibet. The Tibetan settlements had been established as an important means by which these people preserve their heritage and convey it to their younger generations. Because of economic pressures and difficult living conditions, the populations of these communities have declined over the years with so many people moving to the cities where they often find an easier and more profitable livelihood. As these communities erode, so does their cultural cohesion and, in due course, their Tibetan identity.
In the case of Geygeyling Camp, if the much needed improvements and changes are brought in with a sense of urgency there remains no doubt that the Geygeyling community will rise once again as one of the best Tibetan settlements in Nepal. There will surely come a time, in the near future, when the Tibetan refugees struggling in the cities will opt to come and live in Geygeyling - an easier and more peaceful life – where they can propagate and preserve their unique heritage. We still work towards the day when the Tibetan refugees will return to live happily in an independent Tibet.
 
INDRODUCTION OF SAMPHELING TIBETAN SETTLEMENT.
1. Back Ground:-
The forceful intrusion of Communist China into Tibet in the year 1949 and the wake of abortive Tibetan National Uprising March 10th 1959 forced hundreds of Thousand Tibetans to leave their motherland in order to escape from Chinese tyranny and terror. At the same time many Tibetans from Tinge and Gampa Districts of Utsang, Tibet crossed the formidable Yangma Gangla (Dangla Pass) measuring 6462 Mount pass and stayed in the region scattered through the upper region of Taplejung District. As soon as the Tibetan Administration in exile under the leadership of H.H. the Dalai Lama got settled in Dharamsala in India. Tibetan Refugees world wide began to resettle in the camps with help and guidance from the respective host Nation and aid from various foundation and organizations. Under the auspices and co-ordination of Nepal Government resettlement of Tibetans roaming in Nepal began in 1960. In 1964 under resettlement program the Walung Sampheling of Pholey, was established at the height of 3140 meter from the see level, and this settlement is located in one of the most remote regions of Nepal where we have Tibetan settlements established in the Kingdom of Nepal. The settlement 0fficer was appointed to look after the Tibetan Refugee families living scattered cluster areas of Walung, Yangma and Taplejung. Few families are also living District Sangusawa. Under rehabilitation program, sampheling Tibetan Settlement was established at Pholey at a place near village called Gunsa, a remotest place of Taplejung District under Mechi Anchal a border with Indian State of Sikkim in East. This settlement is situated having no link of motor able roads from any big city of Nepal. It has a land aggregate of 275 ropanis at temperature below 15 degree centigrade and rain maximum of 40 cm. For any one visiting Pholey Tibetan Settlement, it can be reached by traveling from Via Biratnagr upto Suketar (Taplejung) by air or Kathmandu to Bithamore by air and then by road up to Taplejung. From Taplejung one has to trek for five to four days by passing Mitlung, Tawa, Churwa, Tapetok, Banphuk, Japan Tar, Zawubari, Jimjelesa and Gyablha. 0ne can find places for night halt in respective mentioned above places.
In 1967 Catholic Relief Service stationed in New Delhi had sent representatives to the area to see the feasibility of Settlement. Their representative recommendations the sanction 30000 Dm for set up agriculture- animal husbandry project for the refugee at Pholey. With funds sanctioned by Catholic multiple projects were executed like purchasing 275 ropanis of land for farm. Wooden plank walls with shingle roof were built. A small handicraft Centre was also set up for economic survivable. Majority families were evolved in yak rearing as it was the easiest work to do in an alien country. Beside that, the high land in the region was fitted to the people for looking after the yaks. A primary school was set up for the children to study modern education. In addition, two monasteries forming an essential part of the Tibetans’ life were established with volunteer labor. At the time of first resettling of Tibetans in Camp there were 36 Tibetan families.
This Tibetan Settlement is situated in a remotest area of Nepal no relief measures could be made available to the settlers. Due to the remoteness of the location of the settlement in one hand and lack of transport and communication facilities in other hand made it inaccessible to the higher authorities to the area. This settlement and its scattered cluster area remained economically poor.
However, over the year, due to booming business in Darjeeling and also carpet business in Kathmandu valley, many rich and enterprising people had left Pholay settlement towards greener pasture. The success in business in the Darjeeling and Kathmandu area achieved by those people who had left earlier from Pholay became an instigating beckon who still lived in this remote place of Mechi Anchal. No amount of motivating and regulating efforts applied could retain these people who in fact cannot be blamed for themselves. Thus, the number of people moving away from the settlement continued increasingly in the subsequent years and following the decline in settlement population the quality of community life took a downward swing. Now only 22 families are living in the settlement and 15 families are living Walung. 9 famlies are living Yangma at the height of 4550 a highest human living area in Nepal. 17 falmilies are are living in Gunsa at the height of 3340 meters from sea level. 2 families are living in at Gyabla at the height if 2630 meters. 5 families are living at Taplejung at the height of 1840 in a District Headquarters. 4 families are living in Sanguwa District with a total population of 227 people (refer to table given below) are living in Pholay Sampheling Tibetan Settlement.
Total 227
As for their economic life, yaks and dzo (high breeding of Yak and cow) and animal husbandry and handicraft centre serve as their main source of income. The entire community is greatly required a close assessment and adequate materials to improve their overall facilities. Within the community, there is a need for the generation of hope and motivation among the people for progress towards making the settlement self-sufficient, self-reliant, self-supporting and worthy of living by the year 2020.
These people are mostly doing business between Tibet and Nepal, yak rearing and dzo train transportation. From the very beginning their children were given education in the Pholay Tibetan school which has up to class five and till 1998 none of children from these areas could joined further studies in any Tibetan school in India and Nepal. Since we took charges of Walung areas we did our best to educate children from very backward area as one of the pillars of any society the education is back bone of them. Tibetans are minority community in exile a people without country it is our aspiration to preserve our unique heritage and ethnical identity while simultaneously existing within a foreign country and culture. We sent children to the best Tibetans schools in different places. Now children are studying in Pokhriapong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok in India and in Kathmandu children are studying in Tibetan school like Srongtsen and Namgyal Middle school.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES.
Sampheling Pholay settlement is trying its best to preserve its Tibetan community’s identity and working hard in this harsh, backward and remote are. The settlement, as mentioned before, has 275 ropanis of land for agriculture and animal rearing. Besides, there is a Day school, small handicraft centre, Health Clinic, two monasteries and a Co-operative shop.
MONASTERY
Tashi Chophel Ling, a Gelukpa monastery, has six resident monks. On every full-moon day, the monastery provides sojong communion service besides family social prayer services as and when they need. The monastery has sacred Jangphung Jowa (Buddha from Jangbhug area of Tibet) as its main deity. This protector-deity is believed to prevent wind disasters or wind storms in the area. It is over 900 years old image. However, the monastery has no regular income. The main sources of livelihood of the monks are the offerings or fees they receive through conducting prayers services to the Tibetan families.
Chaktrul Monastery, a Nyingmapa Monastery was built by former Chaktrul Rinpoche is having no residential monks following his demise, all the monks disrobed and left the monastery and joined mainstream of laymen’s life. The monastery is presently taken cared by an elderly man who is incidentally the relatives of the present Chaktrul Rinpoche who is studying Buddhist philosophy in Shechen Monastery in Budha. He is keeping not well as having blood problems. On every 10th day of Tibetan lunar calendar, people gather at the monastery and perform Tsechu puja (prayer of 10th day) at their own expenses. This monastery too has no regular income source.
SCHOOL
The day school of the settlement was established and being run with financial aids provides by Tibet Fund, UK, through the Kathmandu based show Lion Foundation besides the His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. In addition to the running expenditure of the school, the salaries of the two Tibetan teachers of the school are being paid by the Tibet Fund, while the salaries of the two Nepalese teachers are being paid by the HMGN. Kanchenjunga school project is also actively involved in financing the day school. In late nineteen’s, six rooms with G.I sheet roofing have been built with help of an American Cherrie. The school has five teachers: one Nepalese Headmaster-cum-teacher, two Nepalese teacher and two teachers with 18 Tibetan students. Hence, at present, the school has only six classes including the class of kindergarten. The school has up to class four now due to miserably lacks in educational standard and basic modern facilities we degrade classes at there.
ADULT EDUCATION
Due to family economic problems, many young children cannot afford to join higher schools in India and Kathmandu after the completion of their schooling in the settlement. Many young boys are now working as shepherds or doing petty businesses for their family, and young girls working as weavers and house wife. They obviously forget everything they entirely what they learnt during their school days. In view of this problem, two young Tibetan teachers of the Day School impart adult education to them every evening. This greatly benefits all the young people in the settlement. The social elements of the Tibetan culture are sustained through active participation by these adult students in performing traditional songs and dance on important days like Tibetan New Year, H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Birthday and other special days. The present adult education drive directly benefits 12 youth from the settlement. This project is also having acute financial problems as we do not have funds for paying wages to teachers who teaches the adults.
HEALTH CLINIC
Thanks to the cold climate and sparsely-populated environment of Pholay. The majority of the Tibetan settlers are comparatively healthy. There is not even a single case of TB. However, the health complications due to vitamin deficiency, parasitic diarrhea, VTI disease, and cold and cough problem are quite common in summer. The Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama had trained and employed a Health worker’s salary and all the running expenditures of the health clinic. However, for severe illnesses, the patients have to go to Taplejung Hospital which takes a grueling journey of four to five days on foot or on porter’s palanquin. Since there are no trained nurses, women face hardship and complication during child birth and after birth. In fact the great God saw the problems so there has been no case of death relating with birth till now.
INCOME-GENERATING ACTIVITIES
Over the years, the primary source of income and economic backbone of the settlement has been handcraft and carpet sales, yaks and dzo rearing, transportation by dzo and farming. Only few families are engaged in small-scale businesses. A few elderly people are getting nominal old age allowance of Nrs 1000/00 per person is getting from different aid organization. Although rupees one thousand is not enough to meet all needs of the old people but we have no alternative to get more funds. For income and making available green vegetables during the winter and cold season we set up individual green House in 2007. This project made sufficient green vegetables like cauliflowers, cabbages, radish, carrot, and potatoes during winter and any type of green leafy. People consumed available vegetable in cold season and surplus they could sale to the local customers. We do belief it made good income and even they could give the rest vegetables or green leafy to the domestic animals during the winter days to keep poor animal healthy too.
STM PHONE LINE
To make accessible to the out world and in the country through communication system people need phone line. To solve communication problem we installed STM phone line at Sampheling Settlement in 2009. This project made the people easy for calling to their relatives easy. Now people are accessible to their dear and near once. They are link with world. People can contact our Camp through phone number 977 – 993244513.
TOURIST LODGE
Pholay Tibetan Settlement falls on the tourist route which leads trekkers and mountaineers directly to Mt. Kangchenjunga. Normally the tourists’ halt for their lunch break at the settlement while trekking to Kanchenjunga and returning back. Since the Nepal had declared these places to fall under Nepal’s Eastern Conservation Area by building a new and easier trekking route, the trekkers’ night halt will be at Pholay Tibetan Settlement. This has increase the possibility of high profit if a tourist lodge could be constructed as income source for the entire community. In view of moment, Pholay Tibetan Community is planning to build a lodge for the tourists to offer a comfortable stay at the settlement during their trek. Towards this end, we already have land available for such a lodge with a capacity of 6 rooms in each of its three stories and one kitchen. But it is hard to build as we have no fund for such big project.
REROOFING OF SETTLEMENT HOUSES.
The majority of the settlement houses were built 4 decades ago. Since then no major repairing works has been carried out. With small funds from aid organization we could only do small repairs. Now all the houses are in dilapidated condition so it is felt an urgent repairing with wooden walls and GI sheet roof. For this project we have already submitted project proposal to Department of Home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. If our project is materialize new wooden planks with wooden walling and GI roofing will done soon to avoid living quarter problems. Now a day people are facing living quarter problem as during the winter water leaks from shingle roofs and badly require reproofing with GI roofing sheets, besides other major renovation works.
CONCLUSION:
Tibetans fled their homeland with the hope that they will one day they will be able to live in an independent Tibet. The Tibetan settlements had been established as an important means by which these people preserve their heritage and convey it to their younger generations. Because of economic pressures and difficult living conditions, the populations of these communities have declined over the years with so many people moving to the cities where they often find an easier and more profitable livelihood. As these communities erode, so does their cultural cohesion and, in due course, their Tibetan identity.
In the case of Sampheling camp, if the much needed improvements and changes are brought in with a sense of urgency there remains no doubt that the Sampheling community will rise once again as one of the best Tibetan settlements in Nepal. There will surely come a time, in the near future, when the Tibetan refugees struggling in the cities will opt to come and live in Sampheling - an easier and more peaceful life – where they can propagate and preserve their unique heritage. We still work towards the day when the Tibetan refugees will return to live happily in an independent Tibet
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