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A REPORT

Organized by

Tibetan Scientific Society (TS2)

www.tibetanscientificsociety.com/www.tsenrig.com

E-mail us: tsenrig@yahoo.com

“The Tibetan Science Conclave-II was a huge success. It was a four day of intellectual

treat that saw science students interact with veteran scientists, share ideas and build

connections with one another. I feel, to a great extent, it achieved its goal of inspiring

students in pursuing scientific research”.

-Mr. Gyaltsen, (Evaluator for TSC-II), Science Education officer, DoE, CTA, Dharamsala

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CONTENTS

I. Message from Sikyong, CTA

II. Message from Richard Ernst

III. Message from Conveners

IV. Introduction

V. Conclave time table

VI. Profiles of the Speakers

VII. Events report

VIII. Participants feedbacks

IX. Sponsors and donors for the conclave

X. Summary of expenses

XI. Conclave venues

XII. Organizing committees

XIII. Acknowledgements

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I. MESSAGE FROM SIKYONG, CTA

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II. MESSAGE FROM PROF. RICHARD R. ERNST

Prof. Richard R. Ernst

Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (1991)

Dear Friends,

I am so glad that the Tibetan Science Society is prospering so well. Indeed it has an

important function in the development of the Tibetan society and its integration in a modern

world. Science can form a bridge between the traditional Tibetan philosophy and spirituality

and the Western world. Both sides are necessary for a prosperous survival of mankind. I am

glad that I was able to work on methods that can lead to a scientific appreciation of brain

activity where it becomes obvious that even spirituality has a physical basis that can, at least

so some extent, be understood. On the other hand, these studies demonstrate how enormously

complex a human brain is and that its functioning can never fully be explained by physics

alone. From both sides, we are approaching limits that can only be overcome by a

combination of Western Science and Eastern and Tibetan spirituality. This is making your

work so important far beyond the Tibetan dilemma. It shows in a metaphorical way how

human existence can only be comprehended by activities on both sides. I am very grateful to

you to your activities and your curiosity that may contribute more than you ever were hoping

for.

Dear friends, I hope that you continue your beneficial activities to bring the two sides

together. I wish you not only a perfect New Year but also a lasting exploratory spirit with

which you will be able to build bridges in a spit world.

With my very best wishes,

Richard R. Ernst

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III. MESSAGE FROM CONVENERS

We feel honored to be part of the organizing committee of Tibetan Science Conclave-II.

Given the importance of such a gathering in general and the interest shown by the

participants at first Tibetan Science Conclave (TSC-I), we were constantly motivated right

from the day we started formulating programs for TSC-II.

Without the support and belief in us by our sponsors and well-wishers, this conclave

would not have become a reality. The distinguished speakers we approached for their time

and energy showed great interest and gave due importance to our conclave. Similarly, we

received overwhelmingly response from Tibetan science students from different parts of the

country. Unlike the last conclave, TSC-II attracteda large number of Tibetan students

pursuing higher studies and research in a range of scientific fields. The local host andthe

volunteers attached great importance to the conclave and helped us throughout the four day

program. We therefore thank all the concerned individuals and organizationsinvolved in

making TSC-II a success.

Tibetan Scientific Society would like to dedicate this conclave to His Holiness the

XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet under whose dynamic leadership we Tibetans in-exile have

been able to receive modern education.

Dr. Kalsang Tharpa & Mr. Tenzin Nyibum.

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IV. INTRODUCTION

The immense benefits science and technology can bring to the society have been largely

ignored in pre-modern Tibet. Although practical introduction of developments in science and

technology did not come until Tibetanswere exiled, much of the Tibetan population still remains

untrained in scientific and technical fields. Even in exile, despite the 17% annual budget

allocation by the CTA for education for many years, we suffer dearth of Tibetan expertise in

various fields of scientific and technical professions. According to a survey conducted in 2010

by Tibetan Scientific Society (TS2) in seven major cities in India, only 100 out of the initial 285

students with science background in high school are currently pursuing bachelor’s degrees in

scientific disciplines and18 of these students are pursuing postgraduate/graduate studies with

only two enrolled in PhD programs in science. Despite the availability of various scholarship

programs, this dismally low number of Tibetans pursuing higher studies in scientific fields still

remains as one of the biggest concerns of TS2. Addressing the issues related to this situation is at

the core of Tibetan Science Conclaves’ aims and objectives.

TS2 is a non-profitable and non-governmental organization. Among others, an important

activity of TS2 is to hold biennial science workshopcalled Tibetan Science Conclave (TSC).The

first conclave (TSC-I) was held at the Tibetan Youth Hostel, Delhi from 11th

to 14th

of

December, 2010. Among other accomplished scientists and Buddhist philosophers, a notable

guest at the first conclave was the Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Prof. Richard R. Ernst from

Switzerland.

The Aims and Objectives of Tibetan Science Conclave (TSC):

To provide a platform where Tibetans in scientific fields (students/professionals) can

interact and exchange ideas with the larger scientific community at both national and

international levels.

To provide opportunities for interaction and exchange of scientific ideas among Tibetans

in various scientific fields (students/professionals).

To encourage young Tibetan students to pursue exciting and innovative researches in

science.

To discuss issues related to the development of science and technology within the

Tibetan community that will assist Tibet’s present and future.

The second Tibetan Science Conclave (TSC-II) was organized and held in the Indian city of

Bangalore from 26th

to 29th

December, 2012. 60 Tibetan College, high school and monastic

university students from around the country participated in the four day workshop. The chief

guest for the conclave was Prof. S. Chandrasekaran from Indian Institute of Science (IISc),

Bangalore and the guest of honor was GesheNyimaTashi, chairman of the Science Meet Dharma

(SmD) project. The speakers for this conclave were drawn from a range of fields covering

science, technology, education policy and Buddhist cognitive science.

Like the first conclave, we feel honored to have had among our speakers, two distinguished

Indian scientists and technologists including Prof. S. Chandrasekaran, honorary professor of

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Organic Chemistry and Prof. S.P. Govindaraju, a retired professor at the Aerospace Engineering

department, both from IISc, Bangalore, a premier scientific research institution in India. Prof.

Chandrasekaran gave a keynote lecture on Green chemistry research in India; while Prof.

Govindaraju enlightened the participants on research methodology, drawing from his own field

of Aerospace Engineering. We also had Prof. RamuManivannan from Madras University who

has been actively involved in exile Tibetan community in framing its education policy for

Tibetan children. The director of the newly established The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher

Education, Dr. B. Tsering also participated in the conclave on its second day at the institute

campus, and spoke on the importance of science graduates in Tibetan society. A representative

from the Central Tibetan Administration’s education department, Mr. Gyaltsen spoke on the

Department’s initiatives in raising the standard of science education in exile Tibetan schools.

Tibetan medicine is gaining increasing attention among modern medical community. Dr.

DorjeeRapten, the chief medical officer at Men-Tsee-Khang, Bangalore gave a presentation on

the essence of Tibetan medicine in contemporary world. We also had Dr. AthulaprabhaMurthi,

director at IndiaBioscience, Bangalore, and Dr. Kripa, research coordinator at National Institute

of Biological Sciences,engage in an interactive session with the participantson the career

opportunities for young scientists. Mrs. Tenzin Choedon, a research associate at the International

Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), articulated on her work related to

cancer research using Tibetan medicine. Buddhist scholar, GesheLhakdor from the Library of

Tibetan Work and Archives also graced us with his presence and spoke on Subject-Object

Duality. He was accompanied by his colleague Mr. Karma Thupten who presented on the

challenges in translating scientific terms into Tibetan.

The lectures were spread over four days with several interactive/discussion sessions

moderated by the organizing committee members. Like the first conclave, we arranged an

educational visit to the campus of the Indian Institute of Science, where the participants had the

opportunity to observe and learn about cutting edge research and scientific instruments and

interact with professors, scientists and students. A new feature to this conclave was the inclusion

of student research presentation and scientific model competition. Participants were given an

opportunity to present their research work before the rest of the participants. A model

competition allowed participants to present and demonstrate their scientific working models.

The conclave was held at the Tibetan Youth Hostel in Bangalore with the exception of the

second day, which was held at The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education, also located in

Bangalore.

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V. CONCLAVE TIME TABLE

TSC-II Program

Day-1, 26/12/2012, Tibetan Youth Hostel

9:00-10:00 Opening Ceremony

10:00-11:00 Key note speech by Prof. S. Chandrasekaran

11:00-11:15 Tea Break

11:15-12:15 Education policy of Tibetan inside and outside Tibet by Prof. RamuManivannan

12:15-12:30 Video messages (Overseas Tibetan Science Scholars)

12:30-13:30 Lunch

13:30-14:30 Research in Science by Emeritus Professor, S.P. Govindaraju

14:30-15:15 Panel discussion with speakers and current PhD students

15:15-15:30 Tea break

15:30-16:30 Research opportunities in drug discovery by Dr. KalsangTharpa

16:30-18:00 Participant introduction

19:00-20:00 Welcome Dinner

20:00-21:00 Networking and Interaction

Day-2, 27/12/2012, The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education

9:30 Arrival at DLIHE

10:00-11:00 Role of Science Graduates in the Tibetan Community by Dr. B. Tsering

11:00-11:15 Tea Break

11:15-12:30 Raising the Standard of Science Education in Tibetan Community - DoE Initiatives by

Mr. Gyaltsen

12:30-13:30 Lunch

13:30-15.30 Student Research work Presentation-I

15:30- Science my Passion: Working model & poster presentation

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Day-3, 28/12/2012, Tibetan Youth Hostel

9:00-10:00 Essence of Tibetan medicine in contemporary world by Dr. DorjeeRapten

10:00-10:45 "A career in life sciences - perspectives" Dr. AthulaprabhaMurthi

10:45-11.30 Talk by Dr. KripaJalapathy from National Institute for Biological Science

11:30-11:45 Tea break

11:45- Institute visit: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

12:30-13:30 Lunch @IISc campus

19:00-20:00 Dinner

20:00-21:00 Student research work presentation-II

Day-4, 28/12/2012, Tibetan Youth Hostel

9:00-10:00 The Object-Subject Duality by GesheLhakdor

10:00-11:00 Challenges in Translating Scientific Terms into Tibetan by Mr. Karma Thupten

11:00-11:15 Tea Break

11:15-12:30 The world of The Senses by GesheLhakdor& Mr. Karma Thupten

12:30-13:30 Lunch

13:30-14:30 Cancer biology research by Mrs. Tenzin Choedon

14:30-15:15 Group Discussion

15:15-15:30 Tea Break

15:30-18:00 Valedictory function

19:00-20:00 Farewell Dinner

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VI. PROFILES OF THE SPEAKERS

Prof.S.Chandrasekaran Department ofOrganicChemistry,IISc.,Bangalore

Prof. S. Chandrasekaran, Honorary Professor, Department of Organic

Chemistry, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore and President of Chemical

Research Society of India. He is currently AmrutMody Chair Professor of

Chemistry and Chairman of the department of organic chemistry at the Indian

Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.

He earned his Ph.D from Madras University and post-doctoral from Prof.

E. J. Corey at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA (1973-75 and 1976-

77) and Dr. J. A. Edwards at Syntex Research, Palo Alto, CA, USA (1975-76).

GesheLhakdor

Director,LibraryofTibetanWorksandArchives (LTWA),Dharamsala,India

GesheLhakdoris the Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

(LTWA) in Dharamsala, India. He has served as His Holiness the Dalai

Lama’s religious assistant and translator for many years and represents His

Holiness’s vision and work at various national and international conferences

and forums.

He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English from

Panjab University, Chandigarh. In 1989 he also received his Master of

Philosophy (M.Phil) from the University of Delhi. In 1995 he received his Geshe Degree (Doctor

of Divinity), the highest degree of learning in Tibetan Buddhism.

Prof.S.P.Govindaraju Retired Professor,Departmentof AerospaceEngineering,IISc. Bangalore

Prof. S. P GovindaRaju, a retired professor from the Department of Aerospace

Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Prof. Govindaraju holds a

bachelor’s degree in engineering from Mysore University, master’s degree

from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and a PhD from California Institute

of Technology in the United States.

He has 41 years of teaching experience specializing in Low speed

Aerodynamics and Principles of Aircraft Design. He has published numerous research papers in

reputed national and international scientific journals and has had a very successful career as an

aerospace engineer and applied scientist. He is recipient of Ghatge award of the Aeronautical

Society of India in 2002 and is a fellow of the Aeronautical Society of India

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Dr.DorjeeRaptenNeshar

Chief Medical OfficerIncharge, Men-Tsee-khang, Bangalore

Dr. DorjeeRapten, Chief medical officer in charge & the senior consulting

physician of the Bangalore Branch Medical Centre.He completed his studies

on Tibetan Medical System from Men-TseeKhang under the supervision of

highly renowned Master Physician late Mr. BarshiPhuntsokWangyal. In

1988, he took charge of the Tibetan Medical & Research Centre in

Bylakuppe, where he began his first stint into the clinical.

.

Dr.B.Tsering

Principal,TheDalaiLamaInstitute for HigherEducation,Bangalore

Dr. B. Tsering currently serves as a principal of The Dalai Lama Institute for

Higher Education, Bangalore and a member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile,

Dharamsala, India.

A dedicated educator, Dr. B Tsering taught science at the Tibetan

Children’s Village school for over 20 years, earned a Fulbright scholarship

in 1997, and obtained a doctorate in education from the University of

Virginia in 2001.

.

Dr.R.Manivannan

ProfessorandHead, DepartmentofPoliticalScience,MadrasUniversity

Dr. RamuManivannan, Professor in Political Science at the University of

Madras. He was a Research Fellow of the United Nations University's Major

Programme on Peace and Global Transformation in Delhi and was also

awarded the "Fellow of the United Nations University" award in 1986. He

has written and edited several books including "Prospect and Retrospect of

Alternative Education in the Asia-Pacific Region".

He was also engaged in dialogue with the Alternative Education

Committee of the Tibetan Government in exile. He has been working with refugees from Tibet,

Burma and Sri Lanka for over two decades in the areas of peace, education and development.

Besides, he is an organic farmer and serves as part of the global natural building movement.

GesheNyimaTashi(Guestof Honor) Chairman,SciencemeetsDharmaProject,India

GesheNyimaTashiwas born in the year 1961 and became a monk of Sera

Monastery at the age of 12. GesheNyima completed his formal monastic

training in 1998. Following receiving his Geshe degree, GesheNyima worked

for his monastery for 4 years in the department of philosophy and dialectic

studies where he also served on the exam committee. GesheNyimaattended

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the first science workshop organized by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in 2000, and

since this time has attended over a dozen workshops organized by the Library. GesheNyima.

GesheNyima has also been active in bringing science education to his monastery and has served

as the coordinator for the Science Meets Dharma program.

Dr.AthulaprabhaMurthi Director,IndiaBioscience(IBS), Bangalore

Dr. AthulaprabhaMurthi is the director of IndiaBioscience, a non-profit

science outreach initiative created to fulfill the niche gap within the Life

Science sector in India. IBS is envisioned to function as a catalyst

organization that will invigorate the various activities associated with

establishing a strong hold for scientific research on the global scene – this

includes recruitment, networking, collaborations, research oriented

education and science communication. She did her PhD at Penn State

University and Postdoc in infectious diseases at the National Institutes of

Health (NIH) at Bethesda, USA. She worked on the pathogen called Bacillus anthracis which

causes Anthrax.

Mrs.Tenzin Choedon ResearchAssociate, ICGEB, New Delhi.

Mrs. Tenzin Choedon was graduated from TCV School, Dharamsala and

later completes her Bachelor of Science from Delhi University and Master

of Science in Biotechnology from JamiaHamdard, New Delhi. She then

joined ICGEB as a research assistant and currently working as a research

associate. She had worked at ICGEB for more than a decade and published

number of papers in peer reviewed journals. Her research interest includes

HBx oncogene, cell cycle regulation, genomic DNA replication, nucleolar

and ribosomal biogenesis, anticancer strategies.

Mr. Gyaltsen

ScienceEducation Officer, DoE,C.T.A.Dharamsala

Mr. Gyaltsen, Science education officer of Department of Education,

C.T.A. Dharamsala. He was a former Science Teacher, TCV School,

Dharamsala and an Alumni of Tibetan Scholarship program (TSP).

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Mr.KarmaThupten ManagingEditor:Tsenrig,LTWA,Dharamsala

Mr. Karma Thupten finished his schooling from TCV School Dharamsala

and completed his Bachelor from Delhi University. He later joined

LTWA’s science Department and currently working as a Managing Editor

of science Newsletter: Tsenrig. It is the first ever science newsletter

introduced in the exile Tibetan community. This is a quarterly publication

started in June 2006. It features a section on news, cosmology, physics,

biology, scientists' biography, and science and Buddhism related articles.

Dr.KalsangTharpa

ResearchScientist,JubilantLifeSciences, NCR, Delhi

Dr. KalsangTharpa attended CST Schools (Bylakuppe&Mundgod) and

graduated from University of Mysore, India. Interested in Green Chemistry

and molecularly imprinted polymers. Authored 05 publications in

Springer-Verleg and 02 publications in Elsevier.Co-authored a book

chapter with Prof. Masakazu Yoshikawa for Springer-Verleg. Currently

employed as research scientist in Jubilant Life Sciences, R&D, Noida.

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VII. EVENTS REPORT

DAY-0

A day before the conclave, few volunteers from Tibetan Youth Hostel, Bangalore helped set

up and decorate the conclave venue. In the meantime, participants from different parts of India

started arriving at the venue where accommodation had been arranged for them. Mr. Dhondup,

Director of Tibetan Youth Hostel extended any help that was needed for the preparation leading

up to the conclave.

Organizers &Volunteers setting up the venue of the

conclave

Participants reporting to the venue

DAY-1

As the city of Bangalore woke up to another pleasant day, organizers and participants at the

Tibetan Science Conclave-II got themselves ready for an enriching four days of learning and

interaction. Around sixty participants signed themselves in at the conclave venue at Tibetan

Youth Hostel. They hailed from Delhi, Ajmer, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mysore and Bangalore.

Three class XII science students from TCV Bylakuppe and two monk students involved in

Science meet Dharma (SmD) project were also among the participants.

Board member Tenzin Nyibum giving an introduction to

Tibetan Scientific Society

GesheNyimaTashi delivering a speech as the guest of

honor

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Inaugural session started at 9 am with the lighting of the ‘wisdom lamp’ by the chief guest,

Prof. S. Chandrasekaran and the guest of honor, GesheNyimaTashi. Tenzin Nyibum (convener)

gave an introduction to Tibetan Scientific Society which was followed by a word about the

conclave by Dr. KalsangTharpa (convener). GesheNyimaTashi delivered a brief speech

welcoming the participants and encouraging them to actively participate in the conclave. Tenzin

Pasang (Secretary, TS2) delivered a word of thanks on behalf of TS

2 and the participants. The

inaugural session was chaired and managed by Mr. Chime Tsetan, a local volunteer for the

conclave.

At 10 am, Prof. S. Chandrasekaran delivered his keynote speech. He is an honorary

professor of Organic Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He spoke on

‘Green Chemistry for Sustainable Development’. The thrusts of his talk: Generally, pollution

control has been approached by limiting the spread of pollutants and cleanup of wastes, dealing

primarily with the pollutants after they are formed. Green chemistry, on the other hand,

represents fundamental shift from command and control model toward pollution prevention

paradigm by focusing on processes and products that reduce or eliminate the use and generation

of hazardous substances. Participants had the opportunity to ask him questions after his

presentation.

After a short tea break, Prof. RamuManivannan spoke on ‘Education policy of Tibetans

inside and outside Tibet’. He was engaged in dialogue with the Alternative Education Committee

of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). He has been working with refugees from Tibet,

Burma and Sri lanka for over two decades in the areas of peace, education and development.

Prof. Ramu spoke on the importance of education-particularly science education- in Tibetan

community, CTA policies on education and a comparative view with policies inside Tibet. He

also touched on academic opportunities that are available to Tibetans under Indian government.

Prof. Ramu captivated the participants with his eloquence and wisdom in conveying his

messages.

Prof. S. Chandrasekaran delivering his talk Prof. RamuManivannan speaking

At 12:30 pm, everyone dispersed for a lunch break. The afternoon session resumed with a

special lecture on ‘Scientific Research’ by S.P. Govindaraju, a retired professor of Aerospace

Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is currently active as a consultant in

wind tunnel testing and still teaches short term courses in aerodynamics and flight mechanics and

has been a regular contributor to the journal Resonance. He made a presentation on how

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airplanes and other flying and road vehicles are tested in the laboratories using scaled models

prior to their commercialization and use in daily life. He spoke with dedication, sharing his own

experiences doing research, relating back to stories from his childhood and as a student.

Participants took much interest in asking him questions following his talk.

Prof. SP Govindaraju taking a question from a

participant

Participants engaged in group discussion

It was then a time for a panel discussion with Dr. AthulaprabhaMurthi, Director of

IndiaBioscience, Bangalore, and Mr. Gyaltsen, science education officer of Department of

Education, CTA and students who are currently enrolled in PhD programs. In this session,

participants were allowed to ask any questions related to PhD programsand the panels tackled

them in an interactive manner.

With the action-packed day of talks, lectures and discussions it was time for a recharge in

the form of a dinner. Right after dinner, the participants were asked to introduce themselves to

the rest of the participants and it was time to network and forge new friendships. This ends the

Day-1 of the conclave.

DAY-2

Dr. B. Tsering speaking at The Dalai Lama Institute

for Higher Education

Mr. Gyaltsen giving a presentation

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Day-2 of the Tibetan Science Conclave-II was held at The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher

Education (DLIHE), an hour drive from the Tibetan Youth Hostel, Bangalore. A bus picked up

the participants at the hostel right after breakfast at 8 am and headed to the venue. Participants

signed in at 9:30 am at the venue. At 10 am, Dr. B. Tsering, Principal of DLIHE spoke on ‘Role

of Science Graduates in the Tibetan Community’. She gave a brief introduction to the Institute

she is heading. Role of science graduates and their future prospects in Tibetan community were

highlighted. She also shared her personal views on Tibetan science professionalism. The floor

was then left open to the audience for questions.

Following a tea break, Mr. Gyaltsen spoke articulately on ‘Raising the Standard of Science

Education in Tibetan Community-DoE Initiatives’. He highlighted the dismal state of science

education in Tibetan community, despite the fact that we have made tremendous strides in

education in general, by any refugee standards. Mr. Gyaltsen pointed out the quality of science

teaching as one of the main reasons for Tibetan students not doing well in science and math and

also expounded on the lack of science professionals. He introduced the projects started by the

Department of Education, CTA to address this issue. His dynamic and interactive way of

speaking kept the audience captivated.

After lunch break, senior participants presented their research works to the rest of the

participants. This is a new session that was introduced to increase student participation at the

conclave. These presentations were selected prior to the conclave by careful review of the

abstracts submitted by the interested participants. This session provided the presenters an

opportunity to present their work, receive feedbacks and practice the art of technical

presentation. Many participants were determined to give a presentation at the next conclave.

Student research presentation Water rocket being prepared for launch

After a short break, it was time for pre-selected contestants to demonstrate their working

models and try their luck at winning exciting cash prizes. The model presentations were

informative but turned out to be not up to the expectations of the Tibetan Science Conclave. One

of the attractions, though, was the launch of a water rocket designed by a group of students from

University of Delhi.

As the night wore on, the participants were bussed back and reached their slumber place at

around 9 pm.

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DAY-3

It’s already Day-3! No wonder, when you have lots of interesting things to do, time just

flies. The first session started at 9 am with a talk on ‘The Essence of Tibetan Medicine in

Contemporary World’ by Dr. DorjeeRapten, the chief medical officer at Men-Tsee-Khang,

Bangalore branch. He explained the basics of Tibetan medicine and talked about how it is

established quite well in its popular demand in the effective treatment of chronic diseases such as

Diabetes, Arthritis, Hypertension, circulatory problems, nervous disorders, Asthma and

gynecological diseases. Men-Tsee-Khang has already conducted two major clinical studies in

new cases of Diabetes and cancer cure and management in collaboration with All India Institute

of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. He then answered questions from the floor. Also among the

audience were GesheLhakdor and Mr. Karma Thupten from the Library of Tibetan Works and

Archives (LTWA).

Dr. DorjeeRapten speaking about Tibetan medicine Dr. AthulaprabhaMurthi sharing her research

experiences with the participants

Dr. Kripa then gave a talk on her career trajectory and various options that are available to

main stream science practitioners. She also explained her job as a patent agent and the

importance of patent filing in scientific research.

At 10 am, Dr. AthulaprabhaMurthi gave a presentation on ‘A Career in Life Sciences-

Perspectives’. Dr. Murthi is the Director of IndiaBioscience, a non-profit science outreach

initiative created to fulfill the niche gap within the Life Science sector in India. Hers was an

interactive session on career trajectories of young scientists. The session was shared with Dr.

Kripa.

Immediately following this, participants were bussed to the sprawling campus of the Indian

Institute Science as part of ‘the institute visit experience’. Before embarking on the tour of the

facilities, everyone had sumptuous lunch at the canteen of the institute. The first part of the tour

was at the Department of Chemical Engineering. The chairman of the department gave a brief

introduction about the department and showed the participants around the different research

laboratories. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of research carried out at the department,

participants with different research interests interacted with great interest with the research

scholars who are doing cutting-edge science. The second part of the tour was at the research lab

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of Prof. Siddharda, a big fan of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His research students demonstrated

the functioning of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The participants were

fascinated by all the great things they saw at the Institute, which is a premier world renowned

research institute. The ‘institute visit’ part of the conclave took up the rest of the day and

wrapped up the Day-3.

Participants headed to the campus of Indian Institute

of Science

Having sumptuous lunch before the institute tour

Professor of Chemical Engineering welcoming the

participants

A research scholar at Chemical Engineering

Department interacting with the participants

A PhD student explaining Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

(NMR) spectroscopy

Group picture at the Indian Institute of Science,

Bangalore

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DAY-4

Like most of the time, it was another beautiful day in Silicon Valley, but it was the last day

of the conclave.At 9 am, GesheLhakdor gave a captivating spoke on ‘The Object-Subject

Duality’, a dose of Buddhist philosophy. He emphasized on being observant all the time and

learn from our surroundings. Peppered with lively examples, Geshe la engaged in very

interactive discussion with the participants.

Mr. Karma Thupten of LTWA spoke on ‘The Challenges of Translating Scientific Terms into

Tibetan’. He stressed on the importance of studying science in Tibetan and introduced various

programs undertaken by LTWA.

Heated discussion between the participants and the speakers was observed even during the

tea break.

GesheLhakdor and participants in involved discussion Group photo of the participants

In the afternoon, Mrs. Tenzin Choedon presented on ‘Cancer Biology’. Mrs. Choedon is a

research associate at the Virology department, International Center of Genetic Engineering and

Biotechnology, Delhi. She gave an overview of cancer research and articulated on her work on

cancer and how she is using Tibetan medicine in her research work. The session concluded with

a brief interactive discussion with the participants.

The participants were then divided into five groups and asked to engage in an hour long

discussion, generating suggestions, feedbacks and constructive criticisms aimed at improving the

ways in which the next conclave could be planned and organized.

At 5:30 pm, everyone gathered for the valedictory function, which was presided over by

GesheLhakdor, the chief guest. Prizes and certificates were presented to the ‘TS2-science essay

contest’ winners, winners of the working model competition and poster presentations.

Certificates and white scarves were presented to all the conclave participants. Mr. Gyaltsen

shared some critical reviews of the conclave for future improvement.

At the end of the day, a grand farewell dinner was sponsored by the Department of

Education, CTA for all the conclave participants. Resident officials of the Tibetan Youth Hostel

and the Representative offices were invited.

21

VIII. PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK

TCS-II was a learning experience. It was a wonderful experience to get a wider view and know about

the future prospects. It also encouraged me to serve our community in whatever capacity I can. TSC-

II was an opportunity to bring us Tibetan students closer and widen our horizon.

PhurbuTsamchoe, M.Sc. Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharawad

I would like to thank all the people who are working in the Tibetan Scientific Society because these

kinds of workshops are very good for the young Tibetans, especially for the science students. In these

five days, I was delighted to gain lots of knowledge and information about science, lots of

information from the education department of our exile government, and about job opportunities and

new educational policies. These kinds of workshop are very useful and I hope to participate in the

next workshop also.

Tenzin Jangchup, B.Sc., (CBZ), St. Joseph College, Bangalore

As a participant I think that the TSC-2 was a success. It was educative, encouraging and eye opener

to many fields. I felt programs of TSC-2 were absolutely necessary for us (Tibetan science students)

in these times. Thanks very much TS2 for giving me such a golden opportunity.

Sangmo Kyi, Men-TseeKhang, Dharamsala

It was my first time participating in Tibetan Science Conclave. The conclave-II was really educative

and I gained lots of new ideas and information. I would like to thank the supporters and of course the

dedicated organizers.

PemaChoedon, B.Sc., Nursing, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Education and Research,

Bangalore

Those four days opened so many possibilities both for our near and long term future as science

students. It was motivating, educative, fun-filled and enriching experience. We are thankful to

everyone who made this event happen.

Tenzin Dolma, B.Sc., Biomedical Science, Delhi University

Thank you so much for taking the initiative in organizing such a great conclave. From this conclave, I

got lots of information regarding research program and I was able to explore through different

experiences.

Tenzin Pasang, B.Sc., Computer Science, Christ University, Bangalore

It was an experience that will stay with me for a very long time. I hope we will have "Tibetan Science

Conclave-XXXXXXIIII" in the future!

Tenzin Dhakden, B.Sc., Computer Science, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Sikkim

First of all, I would like to thank you guys for this opportunity which really helped me gain back my

interest in science. As a suggestion, the conclave needs to better manage the time and if possible must

encourage a variety of different topics in different fields because we witnessed that we had student

presentations mostly from bio. It would be really beneficial if we have a few interesting topics from

math, physics, and even from computer science as well. I am pretty sure that it will be enriching.

Thank you for the opportunity once again. I am looking forward to another great success story from

you guys.

Tenzin Phuntsok, B.Sc., (PCM), St. Joseph College of Arts and Commerce, Bangalore

22

IX. SPONSORS AND DONORS

From Details Amount(INR)

Science meet Dharma

project Rikon Monastry, Switzerland 120,000.00

TCV Batch of 2002 (INR) 45,359.00

Ms. Tenzin Tselha and Mr.

Dechen 25,000.00

Ms. Pema Dechen 4,000.00

Mr. Dawa Tsering and Ms.

Tsering Peldon 5,439.00

Mr.Tawang and Ms.Tenchoe 2,719.50

Mr.Tenzin Yiga 1,000.00

Mr.Tenzin Nyingpo 1,000.00

Mr. Tenzin Dhangsong 500.00

Mr. Tenzin Lhamo 5,700.00

Ms. Pema Kyipa From Germany 35,000.00

From Calgary Tibetan $620 @ 53.36 INR 33,083.20

Mr. Tashi Phuntsok 5,336.00

Mr. Jigme Dhogompa 2,668.00

Mr. Tsetan Gaykhangshawa 2,668.00

Ms. Kelsang Chokey 2,134.40

Mr. Karma Yonten 1,334.00

Mr. Lobsang Galak 5,336.00

Ms. Kyizom la and group 6,403.20

Mr. Gekhyong 7,203.60

Ms. Monica Witschi

Light of Tibetan children,

Switzerland $545 @ 54.39 INR 29,642.55

Ms. Nima Lama(G.T)

M.D, Annapurna Carpet

Industries, Nepal

NPR 48000 @ 0.61

INR 29,280.00

Ms. Kalsang Dolma USA $ 300 @ 54.39 INR 16,317.00

Apollo Hospital staffs New Delhi, India 11,800.00

Lama Zopa Rinpoche Sera Jhe Monastry, Bylakuppe 10,700.00

Mr. Karma Kunsang Snow Region Tours, Delhi 10,000.00

Mr. Lobsang Dhargay Switzerland 10,000.00

Kushok Ngawang Sera Jhe Monastry, Bylakuppe MYR 500 @ 17.6 8,800.00

Mr. Kunchok Delhi 5,000.00

Mr. Ngawang Norbu Sera Jhe Monastry, Bylakuppe $55 @ 54.39 2,991.45

Ms. TashiPaldon LA, CA, USA $ 50 @ 54.39 2,719.50

Kusho Dorjee Dharamsala 2,500.00

Mr. Deraj Delhi 2,000.00

Mr. Jha Delhi 2,000.00

Mr. Tenzin Desel Dharamsala 2,000.00

Ms. Elizabeth

Smulian GA, USA $ 25 @ 54.39 1,359.75

Mr. Dasang Dharamsala 1,000.00

Mr.Thabkhe Sera Jhe Monastry, Bylakuppe $ 11 @ 54.39 598.29.00

Total donation amount received 3,82,150.74

23

X. SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

Travel of participants/speakers/organizers 96,818

Food and Lodging of Participants/speakers/organizers 56,549

Taxi/Bus/Petrol of speakers and participants 20,300

Gifts/Memento/prize money 14,440

Phone Charges 6000

Printing and workshop kits 11,200

Decoration 4820

Tea, snacks and others 15,870

PayPal fee ( via online donation) $ 39.06 @ 54.39 INR 2124.47

Total expenditure 2,28,121.47

Financial Statement(INR)

Total donations received Total expenditures Balance

3,82,150.74 2,28,121.47 1,54,029.27

A dinner on the last day of the conclave (Farewell Dinner) was sponsored by the Department

of Education, CTA.

The balance amount will be used for various activities of Tibetan Scientific Society as well

as the seed money for the next conclave.

24

XI. ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Secretary

Tenzin Pasang, Ph.D student (Physics), University of Mysore. Schooling

from TCV School (2002).After completion of his high school, he did his

further studies in southern India. Email: tpasang@tibetanscientificsociety.comMobile:+91-9611075689

Board member

Dr. KalsangTharpa, Research Scientist, Jubilant Life Sciences, Delhi.

Attended CSTSchools (Bylakuppe&Mundgod) and graduated from

University of Mysore, Mysore. He holds a PhDin Chemistry from the

University of Mysore. Email: ktharpa@tibetanscientificsociety.comMobile:+91-8826011441

Overseas secretary

Tenzin Choephel, PhD candidate, specializing in Aerodynamics at the

PennsylvaniaStateUniversity,USA. Schooling from TCV (2002) and holds

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in AerospaceEngineering.

Email:tchoephel@tibetanscientificsociety.com

Board member

Tenzin Nyibum, Ph.D student (Zoology), University of Delhi. Schooling

from TCV(2002) and holds B.Sc.,M.Sc. and M.Phil. fromUniversity of

Delhi,Delhi. Email: tnyibum@tibetanscientificsociety.comMobile:+91-9910570574

Local Organizing Team

SonamPaljor is pursuing M.Sc. in Mathematics at Christ University,

Bangalore. His team of volunteers had been instrumental in organizing the

event.

Chime Tsetan holds M.Phil. in Zoology from Madras University, Chennai.

25

XII. CONCLAVE VENUES

Tibetan Youth Hostel, Bangalore

Since the majority of the Tibetans in exile live in the southern state of Karnataka, there are large

numbers of school graduates seeking admission in different colleges in Bangalore University. In

1993, TCV started a provisional hostel in a rented house with support from Mrs. Imtraut Wager

(GAT).

Later on with the funding support from the European Union a land was purchased and the

present youth hostel was built with the capacity to accommodate around 200 students and also

an office for the south zone Coordinating Officer of the Tibetan settlements.

The Dalai Lama Institute of Higher Education (DLIHE),

Bangalore

The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education, Bangalore, is TCV's newest educational

endeavor, and one of the most significant projects ever undertaken by TCV. The institute located

7 km from Bangalore University and 25 km from Bangalore city center. The Institute started

with the school of Education on 30th July, 2008 with 72 Tibetan student and14 staff members.

Currently, there are 137 students and 31 staff members. The institute was envisaged with student

body of about three thousand joining various academic and training course which will be added

depending on the construction progress and academic program that will be able to initiate. The

institute also provides holistic environment in which Tibetan students can explore both traditional

and contemporary disciplines while staying connected to their culture and community.

26

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, CTA,Dharamsala

Prof. Richard R. Ernst, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1991, Switzerland

Mr. Ngoedup Tsering (Secretary) & Mr. Gyaltsen (Education officer), DoE, Dharamsala

Geshe Nyima Tashi, SmD, Sera Jhe Monastery

Dr. Mrs. B Tsering (Principal), Dr. PemaYangchen (Vice Principal) & Mr. Tashi

Phuntsok, The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education, Bangalore

Mr. Dhondup, Director, TCV Youth Hostel, Bangalore

Geshe Ngawang Samten, Vice chancellor, Central University of Tibetan Studies, Varanasi

Mr. Tsering Tashi, Director, Men-Tsee-Khang, Dharamsala

Geshe Dorjee Damdul, Director,Tibet House, Delhi

Mr. Kelsang Chokten(Ex-manager) and Dr. Nate Werner (manager),

Science meets Dharma Project (SmD), Rikon Monastery, Switzerland

Mrs. Tenzin Gekhyong, Calgary, Canada & Mrs. Tenzin Lhamo, Delhi for collecting

donations in their respective places

Mr. N. Krishna Murthy, Officer in charge, IISc, Bangalore

Prof. P. T Rahguram, Department of Chemical Engineering, IISc. Bangalore

Prof. Sidhartha P. Sarma and his students, Molecular Biophysics Unit, IISc, Bangalore

Mr. Karma Tsering Dorjee, Thukje Design

&

Special thanks to...

All our distinguished Speakers, Sponsors and Donors