TRAS - Success stories

Kalsang Dawa began his studies in traditional Tibetan art in 1985 at the age of 14. He then settled in Dharamsala, a Tibetan settlement in Northern India. There, he joined the Thangka Painting School at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Kalsang has continued to develop his skills, knowledge, and his own unique style as a Thangka artist. While still living in India, monasteries there, and private collectors in Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United States commissioned his work.

Kalsang Dawa immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, in October of 1998 and continues to paint and broaden his scope as an artist. Kalsang has exhibited his paintings and delivered talks and workshops across North America, in places such as Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, New Jersey, Indiana, and Sewanee, Tennessee. He has a permanent installation at the Saint Norbert Arts Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

To learn more about Kalsang Dawa and to see examples of his Thanka art, visit his website at: www.kalsangdawa.com

Director of Buddha Academy Boarding School: Dorje Namgyal Lama

One story that stands out in TRAS history is that of Dorje Namgyal Lama. As a child in the 1960s, he was sponsored by TRAS at the Tibetan Homes Foundation in Mussoorie, north India. With TRAS' continued support over the years, Dorje grew to become a true humanitarian in his own right as the Head Master of the Buddha Academy Boarding School, one of TRAS' longest-term projects. Buddha Academy Boarding School provides primary and secondary education and vocational training to marginalized and orphaned children and youth, Tibetan and Nepali alike.

The vocational training program in tailoring, carpentry and electricity has given youth the practical skills and know-how to become successful and give back to their families and community.

To learn more about the Buddha Academy Boarding School visit the website at: www.babs.edu.np