Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Department of Heath, CTA addressed on the occasion of the 102nd founding anniversary of Mentsee Khang, the premier institute for traditional Tibetan medicine and astrology today at its headquarters in Dharamshala. The event also marked 57 years of re-establishing Men-Tsee-Khang by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India.

The celebration was attended by chief guest, Kalon of Department of Heath, CTA, Deputy Speaker, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Justice Commissioner, members of the Standing Committee of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Kashag Secretary, Secretaries of Departments of CTA, Dr Yeshi Dhonden, Padma Shri awardee and personal physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Liaison Officer, Dharamshala, Shri Vijay Singh Mankotia, former Minister of Himachal Pradesh, former officials of CTA, Director of Mentsee Khang, Administrator of Delek Hospital, representatives of Tibetan NGOs and members of Mentsee Khang.

Addressing the ceremony, chief guest Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk said, “It is a matter of great pride and honour as we celebrate hundred years of grand achievements of this institution in the field of medical expertise, research and practice. In the last 50 years, Mentsee Khang’s Sowa Rigpa has amassed immense recognition worldwide for its unique knowledge of traditional healing and perspective to health and wellness”.

He commended the serving and former members of Mentsee Khang for having served and benefitted not only Tibetan community but Indian public and international communities across the world.

“I also applaud timely action and initiatives taken up by your institution in adhering to the concerns raised by His Holiness with regard to the lack of precautionary awareness in Tibetan settlements. The series of initiatives such as focussed research, raising awareness through books and improving services at Mentsee Khang clinics in various Tibetan settlements,” he said.

Kalon added that the institute should seek opportunities to exchange and collaborate with modern medicine.

He further celebrated the fact that the top merit holders in the Medical and Astro Science were all women. “It is extremely encouraging to see an all-women in the merit holders, who have outperformed the men. Evidently, Tibetan women are and have been achieving great heights. I congratulate all of you”.

In his remarks, Kalon also congratulated Dr Yeshi Dhonden, prominent Tibetan medical practitioner and former personal physician to His Holiness Dalai Lama, who was conferred the Padma Shri Award by the Indian government.

“It is recognition of Dr Yeshi Dhonden’s distinguished service to tens of thousands of patients, from all across the word and particularly in India. Through this honour, the Government of India has also recognised the unique contribution of Tibet’s rich cultural heritage of traditional medicine.

On behalf of Mentsee Khang, Kalon presented a medal and traditional Tibetan thangka to Dr Dhonden to honour his notabe services.

Director of Mentsee Khang, Tashi Tsering Phuri presented an overview of the various sections, functions, significant undertakings and achievements of the Institute.

During the ceremony, graduating students were awarded certificates and several members of the institute with more than 20 and 30 years of service were felicitated for their service.

Mentsee Khang released 7 sets of book on the occasion. The books are: 1) The Entrance into the Intelectual Field: A compilation of presentations on Life from Buddha’s Teachings and Commentaries by Geshe Tenpa Tashi, Head of Body Mind and Life Department, Men Tsee Khang. 2) A study on Life from the perspective of Tibetan Medica Science by Menrampa Ngawang Jinpa Sunang. 3) A compendium of life from the perspective of Tibetan Astroscience and Kalachakra by Tseerampa Tenzin Nyendak. 4) Presentation of the 3rd Body, Mind and Life conference, held on the causes, condition and remedies of mental disorder. 5)The Third part called the Oral Instruction Tantra from the Secret Quintessential Instructions on the Eight Branches of the Ambrosia Essence Tantra. 6) Fundamentals of Tibetan Medicine in the Chinese language. 7) Centenary report of Mentsee Khang, Sowa Rigpa book III.

Men-Tsee-Khang was first established in 1916 by the 13th Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama re-established Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute in Dharamsala on 23 March, 1961. The Institute initially started with a doctor and an astrologer with ten students in two separate campuses in Dharamsala called Chopra House and Gleenmore Cottage. Dr Yeshi Dhonden and Ven Dukhorwa Lodoe Gyatso were the forerunners of Medicine and Astrology Schools. In 1967, the two schools were merged together as Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute in Mcleod Ganj and formed its Gangkyi headquarter in 1982.