The Tibetan Refugee Center, Darjeeling.

Himalayas Foundation
Sep 15, 2023
1 min read

https://www.himalayasfoundation.org/ The Tibetan Refugee Center in Darjeeling, also known as the Tibetan Self-Help Center, is a community settlement for Tibetan refugees located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It was established in 1959, following the Tibetan Uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Many Tibetans fled their homeland and sought refuge in India, and the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, offered them asylum.

The center serves as a home and workplace for Tibetan refugees and their families. It was set up to provide a safe haven for Tibetan refugees and to help them become self-reliant. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant community where Tibetans engage in various crafts and trades.

One of the significant activities at the Tibetan Refugee Center is the production of traditional Tibetan crafts, such as carpets, woolen garments, handicrafts, and artifacts. These products are often of high quality and are valued locally and internationally. The income generated from the sale of these goods helps support the community and provides a livelihood for many residents.

Additionally, the center also hosts a small school for Tibetan children to receive education. It plays an essential role in preserving Tibetan culture, language, and traditions among the younger generation.

Visitors to the Tibetan Refugee Center have the opportunity to observe the artisans at work, purchase Tibetan handicrafts, and gain insight into the Tibetan refugee experience. The center is an important cultural and economic hub for the Tibetan community in Darjeeling.