Growing Dreams Together 

The Secretary General of Tibetan Homes Foundation (THF) in Mussoorie was himself once among the children who unknowingly benefitted from IM’s sponsorship program. He describes sponsors as “fuel to our mission.”

His parents were among the many thousands of Tibetan refugees who fled to India, arriving with little more than hope. Soon after, they found themselves working in road construction to rebuild their lives. His mother lived in a simple tent along the roadside for 17 years, unable to afford visits to her children who were cared for by THF.

A home for orphaned and displaced children

THF was founded in 1962, following the establishment of the first Central Tibetan School in 1959. It was created out of urgent need to care for orphaned children—those who had arrived alone or lost their families along the way. For many, including the current Secretary General, THF became home. IM’s support came during the organization’s formative years—the most challenging time. With scarce resources and uncertain futures, IM’s timely intervention became the backbone of THF’s growth.

IM’s far-reaching contributions

IM’s contributions were far-reaching. They supported the establishment of the Rajpur Tibetan School in Dehradun—gradually known as the “IM School,” a lasting testament to the organization’s impact. With annual allowances and close involvement, IM ensured continuity at a time when donor support was scarce and needs were overwhelming. The assistance extended beyond children to the caretakers, with training for home mothers, sponsorship of education, and even livelihood initiatives like teaching them to make pickles.

Generations of memories

In the 1980s, IM built a housing complex near the THF premises for eight families, today used as staff quarters. The Secretary General recalls with emotion: “Personally, I carry so many memories of this building. Dekyi Wangmo’s mother was once allocated one of these homes. Today, Dekyi herself—an alumna of THF—lives there with her children. That building holds generations of memories.”

From survival to thriving

IM’s sponsorship program touched the lives of thousands of Tibetans throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Today, the success of THF speaks volumes: children who once needed sponsorship are now graduates with prestigious degrees, holding white-collar jobs and building futures for their families.

Living proof of solidarity

As for the Secretary General, he stands not just as a leader but as living proof of what sustained support, community love, and international solidarity can achieve. “Without sponsorship, it would have been impossible to manage,” he reflects. “But with it, we found our way—not just to survive, but to thrive. IM didn’t just help us build schools—they helped us build a future.”

Text: Rekha Panigrahi
Photo: Maria Kempe