Dear Friends,

As reported in the last issue of Metok (Winter 2006), I am deeply humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me to succeed Madam Pema as the next President. Despite the gigantic task, it is both a privilege and honour to be given this great opportunity to serve and contribute to the cause of our needy children and their education. I express sincere gratitude to all, especially my predecessor for all her guidance and encouragement. With blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the continued valuable assistance, we at TCV remain fully committed to do our best to carry on the noble work with greater resolution. As per Madam Pema's vision and for the long-term success of TCV, we are committed to empowerment and capacity building for a strong and stable organization where teamwork, shared responsibility and a culture of democracy and discipline are not only valued but also truly practiced.

Initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, nurtured in infancy by His elder sister - late Mrs. Tsering Dolma Takhla, until her untimely demise in 1964, TCV thereafter, not only found the much-needed healing touch in Madam Pema, but also saw tremendous growth and development under her dynamic leadership. Selfless and dedicated, with wisdom and courage, she worked resolutely for over 42 years to accomplish what TCV is today - an internationally reputed organization for child welfare and education in the exiled Tibetan community in India. Today its responsibility crosses 16,000 children and youths and over 34,000 passed out with education and training. Thus, what she achieved for the care and education of Tibetan children under difficult and most trying circumstances is indeed extraordinary - a huge contribution to the Tibetan people at a critical period of its history.

Following the example of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it has been her constant endeavour to ensure a sound democratic system of functioning in the organization with necessary density of leadership created, particularly from the younger co-workers, for the continuity and long-term success of TCV. With vision and foresight, Mrs. Pema brought about meaningful changes with clear-cut roles and responsibilities at every level of the administration for greater accountability, empowerment and participation of co-workers. Thus, a good crop of committed people groomed under her with many years of experience has helped to provide a smooth transition. Above all, it is most heartening that she will continue to be the "MOTHER and guiding force" in her role as the Chairperson of TCV Executive Council. Furthermore, she will extend a helping hand in strengthening specific areas of our work that are fundamental and crucially important, apart from taking responsibility for the Tibetan College Project in Bangalore. As such, it is most reassuring that she has not left us but very much with us. We therefore are truly grateful for her farsighted leadership in ensuring the long-term interests of TCV on such a sound footing.

Retrospectively speaking, we realize that without the continued generosity of our friends and supporters and dedication of the co-workers, TCV would not be the happy home for thousands of destitute children, where they find love and security and hope for a better future. Therefore, on behalf of everyone in TCV, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and everyone who support our work. At the same time, with the ever-expanding work and the increasing influx of children coming from Tibet, impoverished children born in the exiled community, the challenges confronting youths and the College Project in Bangalore, we would like to appeal for your continued assistance in the years ahead.