HT Digital,
Itanagar, May 25: In a notable achievement bridging spiritual devotion and academic rigor, Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey, a prominent Tibetan monk, has been honored with the esteemed degree of Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. The announcement of this accolade was made by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu via the microblogging platform X.
Chief Minister Khandu expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey, underscoring the significance of theology in understanding the fundamental beliefs and values that shape human societies. He emphasized the transformative potential of knowledge, highlighting Gyurmey’s scholarly pursuits as a catalyst for promoting mutual respect and tolerance among diverse communities.
Gyurmey’s academic journey signifies a convergence of spiritual devotion and intellectual inquiry, symbolizing the global relevance of Tibetan religious traditions in enriching theological discourse worldwide.
Affectionately known as Tengyur Rinpoche, Gyurmey identified a pressing educational gap in his hometown of Tawang, India, where accessible education, particularly rooted in local culture, was lacking. Motivated by a vision of inclusivity and empowerment, he founded the Thubten Shedrubling Foundation (TSF) in 2014, dedicated to providing education to both children and adults in Tawang.
In 2017, TSF inaugurated a free learning center offering adults opportunities to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings alongside practical skills. Gyurmey’s efforts culminated in March 2023 with the establishment of the Tashol Tengyur School, providing comprehensive education free of charge to Tawang’s youth while embodying Buddhist values and cultural heritage.
Gyurmey’s journey from a recognized tulku to an educator and community leader reflects his unwavering commitment to service. Inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s universal ethical principles, Gyurmey envisions education as a means of instilling compassion and responsibility in future generations, transcending ritualistic practices to embody compassionate action in everyday life.
