Ngawang Gyatso has been working as the Dean of The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education, Bangalore, Karnataka. He has a rich teaching experience of more than 10 years and during this time he has taught subjects like Indian History and History of Modern China & Japan. Before joining the Dalai Lama, he worked in various administrative committees of the college as warden and Head of the Department. As part of his education. He has done BA (History Honors) from Loyola College of Chennai, MA in History along with MPhil from Madras Christian College of Chennai followed by PhD from Christ (Deemed to University) of Bangalore.

Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Teaching is not an ordinary job, but a noble profession, because we as educators not only teach students to improve their life but also do the work of building a literate society for the nation. And my 10 year long career in various educational institutions has taught me this. Apart from this, I receive immense happiness while seeing my students learning and growing. Also, the institution I am working presently with is a perfect place to be at in terms of its policies, infrastructure, support and opportunities it offers. Last but not the least, what sets our institution apart is its commitment to keeping tuition fees at a minimum compared to others, and this dedication to affordability aligns with my values and reinforces my connection to the educational sector, as it ensures that quality education is accessible to a wider range of students.

Being the Dean of the Dalai Lama Institute, what is your philosophy of leadership? 

As the Dean of DLIHE, my leadership philosophy is twofold. Firstly, I am dedicated to empowering our students to achieve their dreams by providing them necessary resources, guidance, and a nurturing environment to excel academically and personally. Because my role is more of a facilitator for their educational journey and I am responsible for helping them overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. Secondly, I strongly believe in instilling a sense of social responsibility in our students as I firmly believe that education should not be a one-way path towards personal success, it should also be a gateway to giving back to the community. Therefore, I encourage them to recognize the privilege of education and to actively engage themselves in volunteering activities, community projects, or choosing careers that make a positive impact on society. In essence, my leadership philosophy is all about fostering both individual growth and a commitment to social service by transforming students into well-rounded citizens who can make a meaningful contribution to the world.

How do you strategize the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your college?

In my opinion, the collective efforts of me and other faculty members are consistently directed towards the shared goal of our institution and that is nurturing individuals and enhancing the reputation of college and we haven’t adopted any very specific policies to do marketing of the institution. Hence to enhance the reach of our college among our potential students, we provide the finest quality education to our existing students and make sure they get a favorable ambiance that facilitates their growth and development, because they are the one whose success is going to define us in future. 

In your experience, what benefits can students gain from studying here in your institute?

After enrolling themselves in our courses, students are exposed to a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and faculties and this exposure facilitates their holistic development, encompassing not only their academic pursuits but also essential life skills such as maintaining their living spaces and contributing to the upkeep of our campus. In other words, I would say that young, aspiring and innovative minds will get the best education, opportunities and environment here along with career guidance in the supervision of expert mentors. 

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure the best practices of industry?

The academic programs at DLIHE are primarily structured in accordance with the curriculum requirements stipulated by Bangalore University and this alignment ensures that our students receive education that can enable them to fulfill the demands of ever changing and competitive corporate world. However we have adopted an altogether different approach when it comes to delivering Taliban Studies related courses and we have implemented some amazing initiatives which are not inline with the traditional academic framework. 

Apart from this, we have an amazing team of exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced faculty members who work together to create a curriculum tailored specifically to the unique needs and demands of Tibetan studies. In other words, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to encompass a comprehensive understanding of Tibetan culture, history, language, and related subjects, allowing our students to delve deeply into this specialized field.

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How is your college more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Our college has adopted an exceptionally affordable fee structure for the courses we are offering to our students at present and this affordability is not merely a coincidence but a deliberate choice we have made to ensure that education remains accessible to a broader range of students. And this sets us apart from other educational institutions, because in a landscape where the cost of education can often be a significant barrier, our institution has taken a proactive stance to address this issue by keeping our fees at a minimum. And we are committed to breaking down financial barriers and creating opportunities for students who might otherwise find higher education financially burdensome.

What do you think should be the college’s top priority over the next 10 years?

I firmly believe that our goal for the coming 10 years should be to position ourselves as a preeminent hub of learning that is characterized by a steadfast commitment to prioritizing the holistic development and welfare of students above all else, rather than the one that just focuses on financial gains. Apart from this, our focus should be on achieving the autonomy status for our institution, which can ultimately culminate our transformation into a distinguished university.

What is the vision and mission of your Dalai Lama Institute?

Having been associated with DLIHE since 2012, I have had the privilege of witnessing the continuous evolution and substantial growth of our institution. And the vision and mission of our college is to nurture passionate and lifelong learners who wholeheartedly embrace Tibetan values and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to serving their community with the utmost dedication and integrity.

What would you like people to know about your institute that makes it unique and different from others?

Our institution boasts a range of facilities on campus that are not only comprehensive but also stand out as unique in comparison to other educational institutions. And these amenities are designed to enhance the overall learning experience and provide students with a conducive environment for their academic pursuits.

Furthermore, our diverse selection of courses is carefully curated to offer a well-rounded education that meets the evolving needs of our students and this variety ensures that students have the opportunity to explore and specialize in areas that align with their interests and career goals.

Any suggestions which you would like to give to the current youths and aspiring students?

I strongly believe that when it comes to pursuing and achieving one's life goals, hard work and patience play pivotal roles, because both are the foundation factors upon which success is built. So I would like to advise my dear students and aspiring students of our society to dedicatedly work towards their life goals and give your 100% to achieve them. Also, stay persistent and resilient when it comes to overcoming obstacles and setbacks. 

Also be patient, because when hard work gets combined with it, even a long journey becomes comfortable and always remember that achieving significant life goals often takes time and involves multiple stages or milestones. So you have to keep going ahead with full enthusiasm and patience, because even when progress seems slow or obstacles appear insurmountable it allows you to trust the process, knowing that worthwhile achievements seldom happen overnight.

How do you establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute?

As a Dean of the institution, I have maintained an environment of transparency in communication, procedure and work policies to build and nurture healthy relationships with my students and faculty members. Also, we communicate regularly in open, trustworthy and respectful communication forums and platforms. Apart from this, there is a shared understanding between everyone about how our institution operates and this in return ensures trust, collaboration, and a harmonious environment for all.