This is to inform you that I have handed over the post of the President of Tibetan Children's Villages to Mr. Tsewang Yeshi, our Executive Director, who has been duly nominated and appointed by the TCV Governing Body in its meeting on August 15, 2006. I have taken this step in the interest of TCV in further strengthening our management in a democratic system of functioning involving the younger generation.

I am writing this letter to personally thank you all for your friendship, assistance and cooperation during the past 42 years of my service at TCV. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all your unstinted guidance, generosity and understanding without which TCV would not be here as it is today, a network of integrated family of thriving educational institutions and centers in various parts of India.

My sister Tsering Dolma, who dedicated her life for Tibetan children, passed away untimely in May 1964. Then the situation of the Tibetan refugee children was at its gravest with resources of every kind absolutely inadequate or non- existent and yet hundreds of mal-nourished, orphaned and semi-orphaned children kept pouring in almost on a daily basis. It was at this crucial time that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who had initiated this work, directed me to take charge of the responsibility of running the then Nursery for Tibetan Children.

During these past 46 years, TCV has grown from a humble beginning with 51 children to the single largest and thriving Tibetan refugee educational organization in exile, having provided education and training to over 33,939 Tibetan children and presently looking after over 16,178 children under its care.

The work of TCV over the years has been pivotal - offering significant contribution towards the establishment and development of the Tibetan community in exile - particularly in the field of education. This was possible because of the dynamic and farsighted leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, outpouring of generous assistance and sympathy we receive from the Government and the people of India, and continued support and understanding from our international friends around the world - both organizations and individuals. I am happy that along with hundreds of staff members, I was able to make some contribution to the growth of TCV and thus be of service to our community at this very critical period in the history of our nation and people.

After 42 years of service at TCV, I have requested to be relieved as its President to the TCV Governing Body in several meetings, and am very happy that it has been finally accepted with the approval of His Holiness.

The selection of the new President of Tibetan Children's Villages was carried out through a dual process of nomination and appointment: The TCV Management and Development Committee (MDC) members through secret ballot nominated names and the TCV Governing Body appointed the President from amongst the first five names who received the highest votes.

As mentioned above, I am happy to say that Mr. Tsewang Yeshi, Executive Director, has received the highest number of votes and the Governing Body also decided to appoint him as the next President of TCV. Mr. Yeshi has been working for the TCVs since May 1974 in different capacities. He is hard working and committed to his work. I feel happy that TCV is safe under his leadership. I request all the concerned to kindly extend to him your fullest cooperation and assistance. Nevertheless, I continue my connection with the work of TCV. The TCV Governing Body would not allow me to phase out completely from TCV as yet. I have been appointed as the Chairperson of the TCV Executive Council which will meet at least four times in a year - if need be more - to oversee the execution of strategies and policies that will shape TCV in the years ahead.

In addition, I will also be involved with the completion of the Tibetan College Project in Bangalore; to closely monitor progress of the TCV Out Reach programme which is closely linked to the development of our Tibetan settlements; and to co-ordinate and empower the TCV Alumni. I am also happy that at this stage, I can now devote more time to our children and mothers and be at the grass root level.

Once again I would like to thank each and every one of you for all your kind support and concern for the education of Tibetan Children in exile.

On August 12, 2006 a new chapter began for the Tibetan Children's Villages, when President Mrs. Jetsun Pema formally introduced Mr. Tsewang Yeshi as the new President. This ceremony was also an occasion to express our deep sense of gratitude to the President for her selfless dedication in making TCV not only a household name in the Tibetan community but also widely popular abroad. Coming to terms with the reality of not having her presence on a more regular basis, the function became very emotional but comforting to know that she will continue to work and Chair the Executive Council of TCV.

Born in Tibet in 1953, Mr. Tsewang Yeshi came to India in early 1960s and studied at St. Georges College in Mussoorie in north India from where he completed his schooling. Initially he worked as a volunteer for seven months and in 1974 he joined TCV as a regular staff member. In his 32 years of service he held various managerial posts and in 1993 he was appointed the Executive Director. During these past three decades, he served the institution with immense sincerity and dedication.