Tibetan Capital in Exile Shrinks as Enrollment Drops by 40%

According to school administrators, the enrollment has been steadily decreasing over the past decade, with a significant drop in the number of new students. "We used to have around 500 students, but now we have around 300," said Tenzin Choedon, the principal of the Tibetan Children's Village. "It's a concern for us because it's not just about the numbers, it's about the future of our community." The school has been a vital institution for Tibetan children, providing them with education in their language and culture. The decline in enrollment at the Tibetan Children's Village is a reflection of the broader trend of shrinking of the Tibetan exile community in India. Many Tibetans have been returning to Tibet, either voluntarily or due to economic opportunities, or have been integrating into Indian society. The Indian government has also been cracking down on Tibetan activism, making it difficult for Tibetans to maintain their cultural identity. The Tibetan exile community in India has been a significant presence since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959. The community has been a symbol of Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule and has been a source of inspiration for Tibetans around the world. However, the community has been facing challenges in recent years, including a decline in funding and a lack of opportunities for young Tibetans. The decline of the Tibetan exile community in India has significant implications for the future of Tibetan culture and identity. The Tibetan Children's Village, which has been a hub for Tibetan students, has been a vital institution for preserving Tibetan language and culture. The decline of the school and the exile community as a whole raises concerns about the future of Tibetan culture and the ability of Tibetans to maintain their identity. The Indian government has been aware of the decline of the Tibetan exile community and has been taking steps to address the issue. In 2020, the Indian government announced a plan to provide financial assistance to Tibetan refugees to help them integrate into Indian society. However, the plan has been met with skepticism by many Tibetans, who feel that it is an attempt to assimilate them into Indian culture. The current status of the Tibetan exile community in India is uncertain, with many Tibetans facing an uncertain future. The decline of the community has significant implications for Tibetan culture and identity, and it remains to be seen how the community will adapt to the changing circumstances.