March2012 newsletter

MEN-TSEE-KHANG News Letter

Vol. XXIV

Jan - Mar 2012

CONTENTS

Exhibition

Pg: 3

Change in Director

Pg: 3

Seminar & Workshops

Pg: 4

51st anniversary of TMAI

Pg: 5

Donations & Obituary

Pg: 7

Email Address

Membership / Scholarship

Director director@men-tsee-khang.org

Sponsorhip Secretary Mailing address Men-Tsee-Khang Registrar Gangchen Kyishong gsec@men-tsee-khang.org Dharamsala, Distt. Kangra H.P Pin - 176 215 Mail Consultation Phone:0091-1892-223222/ 223113 This is the official Newsletter mailconsultant@men-tsee-khang.org Fax:0091-1892-224116 of Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Email: Pharmacy Department scholarship@men-tsee-khang.org Medical & Astro. Institute).

Gangchen Kyishong, Dharampharmacy@men-tsee-khang.org sala—176215, INDIA. It is

Men-Tsee-Khang Exports published and distributed free Branch Department

of cost. However, we request branch@men-tsee-khang.org donations to cover expenses. branch_dir@men-tsee-khang.org To make donations, please contact Mailing Co ordinator, MenAccount Section Tsee-Khang, Gangchen Kyisaccount@men-tsee-khang.org hong, Dharamsala - 176215.

INDIA. Herbal Product Research Department

hprd@men-tsee-khang.org Project Officer projectofficer@men-tsee-khang.org For product information and rates contact Men-Tsee-Khang Exports Astro. Department astro@men-tsee-khang.org TMAI College tmaicollege@men-tsee-khang.org Quality Control qcontrol@men-tsee-khang.org

Mailing address PT 62/5 Kalkaji Near Post Office New Delhi - 110 019 India Phone:0091-11-26214897/ 26436823 Fax: 0091 11 26211738 Email: mtkexports@vsnl.net

Editor Kalsang Dechen Assistant editor Mr. Tseten Dorjee Mailing co-ordinator Mrs. Dolma Tsering Tel: 0091-1892-223113/223222 Fax: 0091-1892-224116 E-mail: tmai@men-tsee-khang.org tmai@vsnl.com www.men-tsee-khang.org wwww.mentsee.org Newsletter Editor

editor@men-tsee-khang.org

News

Jan-Mar 2012

EXHIBITION

INDIA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, NEW DELHI New Delhi was the final destination

to display the photo exhibits on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Men-Tsee-Khang after covering 12 states and visiting 36 places in India.

It was held from 4 - 7 Feb, 2012. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ms. Sujaya Krishnan (the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi). The other dignitaries present were the Guest of Honour, Representative of His Holiness the

Dalai Lama, Mr. Tempa Tsering; Prof.

M.G.K Menon, director and Premola Ghose, Chair, Programme Division of IIC (India International Centre).

The exhibition commenced with the lighting of the butter lamp by the Chief Guest. It was then followed with an address by the Registrar of Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute) Mr. Tsering Phuntsok. On the occasion, he gave an introduction of the institute and its development. The Guest of Honour congratulated the institute on its golden jubilee anniversary and wished success in its further development to enrich the rich culture of Tibetan medicine and astrology.

"It was a privilege to be invited as Men-Tsee-Khang

part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration" said the Chief Guest by addressing the gathering. She said that it was a culmination of year long hardship and the institute grew from a tiny to a mighty organization. This 7th century based Tibetan system is a culmination of indigenous and other medical tradition.

The health care and healing of Tibetan medicine is the oldest in the world and it is a system which takes into consideration the physical and mental disorders. “Imbalance is the cause of illness and we have to balance it�. The chief guest also informed that Kerala her native place is the land of Ayurveda and she found similarities in the two traditions.

"I wish my best and success to enrich the medical tradition and provide an alternative" said the chief guest by closing her speech.

More than 200 people visited the exhibition in Gandhi King Plaza at India International Centre.

The visitors were doctors, enthusiasts, social workers, media persons, embassy employees and intellectuals.

During the exhibition, the doctors gave health treatment and the astrologers gave oral consultation to the people. Talks were also organized on medicine and astrology. Dr. Pema Dorjee gave health talk to a group of 50 interested people on 4 Feb, 2012 and Astrologer Mrs. Tsering Choezom gave an introductory

talk on Tibetan Astrology to around 30 people on 6 Feb, 2012. The talks were held in the conference

hall at India International Center.

Men-Tsee-Khang would like to thank India International Center for providing free exhibition area at Gandhi King Plaza, the conference hall and refreshments on the inaugural day.

CHANGE IN DIRECTOR On 2 March, 2012 the ceremonial change between the two Director's took place in the MTK hall.

The function began with the Yuthok prayers and then the Registrar, Mr. Tsering Phuntsok gave the opening address. He introduced how the Directors of the institute were appointed since the inception of the institute for the past 50 years.

Prior to 2005 the Directors were appointed from the CTA i.e amongst the officials designated as secretary.

From 2005 with the change in policy of the CTA, the Directors had to be selected from Men-Tsee-Khang by its employees and since then two Directors have been appointed. It was felt that the professionals (doctors and astrologers) should utilize their potentials in the enhancement of the respective traditions rather than engage in administrative management 3

News which is a loss to the development of the rich traditions. After open discussions and debates, amendment in the rules and regulations was made.

The Registrar appreciated the dedication and determination of all the staff in the process of achieving the aims and objectives of the institute.

The 14th Director, Dr. Tsewang Tamdin addressed the occasion by welcoming the New Director Mr. Tsering Tashi. He informed that usually the term of the office is five years but he was leaving before the term and that change in power was necessary. He rejected the offer twice but had to accept the decision and its been 23 months in office. His Holiness vision

Jan-Mar 2012 displayed all over India for the whole year. This has helped in promoting the knowledge of Tibetan Medicine & Astrology to the people. Sharing of experiences in the enhancement and preservation of Sowa Rigpa were discussed openly in the meeting of doctors (from inside Tibet and MenTsee-Khang doctors in exile) in Bodh Gaya.

The other significant aspect is the change in the policy of recruitment of lecturers open to all i.e MenTsee-Khang and

Lama and his insight that after 30 or 40 years it would develop into a fullfledged institution. The new director stressed that facilities and opportunity is a must for the working group, development of human resources and specializations of professionals is also significant. Finance should

non Men-TseeKhang experts.

This is an opportunity given to the professionals who are interested in the academic field.

not be a hindrance to the development of Medicine and Astrology traditions of Tibet. Men-Tsee-Khang outreach programme will be initiated, development of Men-TseeKhang Exports & Herbal Product Research Department, Educational activites, New Publications and Mild Therapy will be set up & expanded.

Overall administrative set up and development will be the main part of the development process of the New Director. The New Director took charge of office from 1 March, 2012.

and aspiration is very significant and we have to preserve and develop the rich cultures of medicine and astrology. I have been working as a doctor for the past 30 years and I can utilize my potentials towards that end and not as an administrator. But during the 12 Kashag, the appointment of officials from the CTA discontinued due to the change in their policy.

Mr. Tsering Tashi has been the former director and is considered one of the able administrators in the development of the institute and so he is the right person to be chosen to lead the institute. I welcome and wish him success in his endeavours. I thank all of you for the dedication, cooperation and support during my term and would also like to request to give the same support to the new Director.

During my short term, I feel that two important activities were accomplished. The first is the commemoration of the Golden Jubilee celebration. The celebration which took place on 23 March, 2011 was satisfactory and exhibitions were

The New Director, Mr. Tsering Tashi welcomed all the heads of department and staff. He began his address by giving a brief overview of how the insitute developed from a small organization in 1961 under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai

Men-Tsee-Khang

SEMINAR & WORKSHOP RECEPTION CENTER

Dr. Sonam Dolma, head of translation department, MTK was deputed by the administration as the resource person to talk on Women health issues. The workshop was organized by the Department of Health, CTA at the reception center to the new arrivals from Tibet for seven days. It was held from 13 - 19 February, 2012 and there were around 75 women who 4

Jan-Mar 2012 joined the workshop. The age of the women were from 15-30 years. The doctor gave an introduction on traditional Tibetan medicine, women

health problems and its preventive measures during the workshop.

INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT MANAGEMENT The group from Norway Mr. Trond Endresen, senior landscape architect; Mr. Vidar Kristiansen, project manager, representing Feste Grenland and Margrethe Broch Du - member Norwegian Tibetan Committee visited Men-Tsee-Khang to follow up the phase II process on the TMAI Chauntra Project.

The seminar was conducted from 4 - 9 March, 2012 by Mr. Trond Endresen and Mr. Vidar Kristiansen.

The institutional capacity building project management is the second phase of the project. There were 12 key personnel’s from Men-TseeKhang including members from administration, account section, pharmaceutical unit, education and estate section of Men-Tsee-Khang.

On 4 March, 2012 all the team from Norway and Men-Tsee-Khang visited Chauntra site. After the site visit, seminar on the project started. Mr. Men-Tsee-Khang

Seminar Trond spoke about the structures and landscape as a "Universal thing and we have to use the resources in a simple way". In Tibet he said “the buildings are built many centuries back but are strong and can protect against natural forces. During those days there was no sketch and it was built straight from the mind.”

Through modern architecture, we could built typical structures and modify it to modern ways. He showed structures from Tibet, Bhutan and Norway and gave illustrations of how natural resources can be used in a simple and efficient way. He also informed that complicated mistakes will cost more.

Mr. Vidar Kristiansen enlightened on the important aspect of project management. He said that “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. A project is a unique thing which has a definite start and an end. The goal and scope of a project should be clear. The five important phases in a project is to initiate, plan, execute, monitor or control and close. Knowledge, skills, tools & techniques to project activities and communication skill is a must in project management. Communication plan is a standard thing in project management and plays an important role. He also informed how a project can be handled through various methods such as Generic Project Module, Work Breakdown Structure, SMART (how the output should be specific, measurable, agreed upon,

realistic and timely), Logical Framework Analysis, VENN diagrams etc.

The first phase of the project (Site Analysis) started in 2009 with the kind assistance of Norway landscape architects and engineer and the support of Norwegian embassy. The group visited Dharamsala from 2030 April, 2009 and consisted of three landscape architects (Mr. Trond Endresen, Jan Feste, Tone Telnes) and an engineer (Mr. Knut Olav Torkildsen). They visited the area, did field work and made site analysis. Meetings and seminars were held on the survey completed by the team.

After returning to Norway, Norway Feste Landscape architects made a detailed digitalization of the area, outline for master plan and a project brief. The proposal for master plan and internal meet-

ing was held between Men-TseeKhang and Feste Landscape AS architects from 12-13 October, 2009.

CELEBRATING 51 YEARS OF MEN-TSEE-KHANG Men-Tsee-Khang commemorated its 51st anniversary and the concluding event of the golden jubilee celebration on 23 March, 2012. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Honorable Kalon Tripa, CTA, Dr. Lobsang 5

News Sangay. The other dignitaries present were Honorable Health Minister, Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, CTA; Supreme Justice Commission, Mr. Ngawang Phelgye; Deputy Speaker, ATPD, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Chairman of CCTM, Dr. Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso.

The ceremony commenced with the lighting of traditional butter lamp by the chief guest followed by a minute homage to the martyrs in Tibet and Yuthok prayers. Director of Men-Tsee-Khang, Dr. Tsewang Tamdin gave an introduction of the institute in past 51 years, which rose from a small organization to the present full-fledged institute in exile. He also mentioned about documented research done on tsothel (detoxified mercury) according to scientific norms published in international journals.

The draft report of the blood and urine samples received from Dr. Sarah Sallon, Natural Medicine Research Center, Hadassah, Israel sent for analysis on the follow up study on Tsothel states that there is no side effects on kidney, liver and other organs in the body from this formulation which was carried out in 2009.

Research on herbal plants or materia medica, cultivation of rare and endangered species used in Tibetan medicine are being carried out. 125 books have been published related to medicine and astrology. Incorporating traditional and modern saftey methods in the production of medicines, skin care, health tonics and drinks according to Tibetan medical texts are some of the significant steps towards advancement.

Men-Tsee-Khang

Jan-Mar 2012 Besides, the English translation of the Basic Tantra, Explanatory Tantra and the Subsequent Tantra; medical courses in English to the westerners and collaboration with UNIFESP Uni-

versity of Brazil and the University of Minnesota, USA are the opportunities provided to the interested people to enrich their knowledge

of this rich ancient cultures of Tibet.

The recognition of Sowa Rigpa into the All India Medicine Council in December, 2010 is the collective cooperation of Men-Tsee-Khang, CUTS (Central University of Tibetan Studies) Varanasi and the Himalayan Region.

The institute provides health care and social welfare charity to people amounting to around 120 lakhs of rupees every year. Besides, MenTsee-Khang sends its doctors on

contractual basis to Austria; Russia; Mongolia and Sherabling Monastery even though their expertise is required in the organization.

Rewards were offered to the staff who completed 30 & 20 years of service and certificate to the Head of Pharmacy Department for the successful completion of Tsothel.

The Principal of Men-Tsee-Khang College announced the awardees of Menrampa Dringwa Degree holders and the 16 batch of medical students and certificates were distributed to them.

Geshe Tenpa Tashi, chairman of golden jubilee committee & lecturer of Men-Tsee-Khang College addressed the annual report and activities of the golden jubilee committee that took place for the whole year round with exhibition all over India including the ceremonial event in 2011. He also presented the financial report of the 50 years celebration. Four books were launched related to history of Men-Tsee-Khang & composition of articles in Tibetan and an astrology book in English.

The Deputy Speaker also congratulated the institute on its 51st anniversary.

The Chief Guest congratulated the institute on its concluding year of golden jubilee event and said that it was a privilege to be invited on this occasion. He applauded the institute as being one of the established institution in Tibetan society which rose from a humble beginning to the present set up. He felt that his campaign slogan - Unity, Self Reliance and Innovation corresponded well for Men-Tsee-Khang 6

Jan-Mar 2012

News

organization. "Documented research with Israel and collaboration with western health institutes is a significant advancement of moving with scientific norms" said Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Honorable Kalon Tripa, CTA. The ceremony concluded with vote

of thanks by Mr. Tsering Phuntsok, registrar of Men-Tsee-Khang.

20 & 30 YEARS SERVICE Mrs. Dolma Tsering joined the institute in 1982 and worked as a secretary (English). She served the institute for 30 years as a co-ordinator, sponsorship secretary and also translated the astrological chart into english. In 1996 she was appointed as the cashier in Accounts department and in 2006 as the sponsorship secretary holding the same post. She was also the member of the Staff Quarters Committee.

Mr. Lobsang Chodun joined the institute in 1992 and worked in the Pharmacy department. He served in the medicine processing unit Men-Tsee-Khang

and is now serving in the preparation of medicine for the last 20 years.

Mr. Tsering Dhondup served the institute for 20 years since 1992. He was the cook in Kolkata branch

Dharamsala.

clinic and then as the dispenser, postal section and in 1996 was appointed to work in the Medicine Store section in

Mrs. Tenzin Kalden joined the institute in 1992 as the accountant of Kolkata branch clinic. In 1993 she was posted in Dharamsala in the Accounts department, in 2004 Medicine Sales Section in 2006 as an accountant. She has served the institute for 20 years.

Donations received from Jan to March, 2012

Staff Children Scholarhip

Yves Betant,Medical France Tibet Tibet Charity Jesselyn Barrow Susan B.Tatnall Alan R Hall Yvonne Mariotti Nesurini Initiative Oberland Elvy Ingegerd Desiree Hast Janet E Goldman

France 243,534.00 Denmark 63,300.00 USA 16,275.00 USA 11,625.00 UK 10,395.00 Switzerland 5,115.00 Germany 17,262.00 Sweden New York

10,175.00 33,712.00

Donation Janet Yelowchan USA Janet Yelowchan USA Janet Yelowchan USA Mary Frost USA Dr.Lobsang Tsultrim (Ex -Staff) for 50 years celebration Netherlands Late Nyima Singye India Pema Choezom and Lobsang Yonten India Dr.Kunsang Tsewang (Ex-Staff) Canada

887.00 887.00 930.00 2,000.00 6,300.00 10,000.00 2,000.00 5,380.00

Poor and Needy Patients Fund Tove Langemyr Larsen Norway 49,088.00

Scholarship Initiative Oberland Germany 11,284.00

OBITUARY Mr. Lobsang Tashi has been ill for a long time and due to his acute health disorder passed away on 5 March, 2012 at Delek Hospital.

He is a retired staff of the institute and served from 1971-2005 in the pharmacy department at Dharamsala.

Mr. Nyima Senge expired on 16 March, 2012 at Jampaling Old Age Home, Dharamsala.

He is a retired staff and served the institute from 19932005 in Kolkata branch clinic. MTK would like to thank the Old Age Home for taking care of him.

Men-Tsee-Khang conveys its deepest condolence to the family members and pray that the departed soul rest in peace.

7

NEW PUBLICATIONS

This book has two volumes, the first deals with the history of Men-Tsee-Khang, its developments, chronology of directors and the second part gives the details of all the branch clinics, its inception and the health care activities provided in the respective locality.

A Concise Introduction to Tibetan Astrology is an essential book for expert scholars as well as for the beginners who want to learn about this discipline. It explains the relationship of astrology with other fields of Tibetan knowledge, especially medicine.

April 17:

18-26 May:

21-27 May:

14 June:

6-10 August:

13-23 August:

BOOK POST To:

If undelivered return to sender MEN-TSEE-KHANG (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute) Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala - 176 215 Distt. Kangra H.P India

UPCOMING EVENTS 20 students from 12th batch of Emory University,Atlanta, USA visits Men-Tsee- Khang for Tour Director, Mr. Tsering Tashi or Principal, Dr. Tenpa Chophel visit Austria A 20 member students from University of Minnesota, USA attends six day Introduc tory Course on traditional Tibetan Medicine, Dharamsala 26 students from the 12th Gurukul Programme 2012, organized by Founda tion of Universal Responsibility of H.H. the Dalai Lama,New Delhi visit Men-Tsee- Khang to attend an Introductory lecture on traditional Tibetan Medicine A five day Basic Course in English on Tibet an Medicine wil be held in Leh, Ladakh A ten day Advanced Course in English Tibetan Medicine will be held in Leh, Ladakh (for details visit our website at: www.men-tsee-khang.org)