Release of first two title of Lama Mani Books

We formed Think Tibet as a platform for Tibetans and Indians to work together to contribute to the community in exile. One avenue we have chosen is publishing of children’s books that will reflect the society in exile. As a tribute to the story tellers of Tibet whose tales regaled listeners’ young and old, our books will be published under the imprint, Lama Mani Books.


Chief Representative of CTA releasing the two new title of Lama Mani Books

Our first two titles were released on June 26th, 2009 as part of a Tibetan exhibition in Bangalore, Rewa - 50 years of Hope. To release the books, we had the honourable Kunga Dorje, Chief Representative of the Southern Tibetan settlements. Speaking on the occasion, he expressed his happiness at seeing something that was done for Tibetan children. “The contents of these two books are unique. A lot of people know very little about how Tibetans live in exile,” he said, adding that however small the publishing house, the books are ‘very important and very informative’.

The two titles, Dorje’s Holiday at the Gyenso Khang and Dolma Visits the City are part of a series called Meyul. With this series, we are attempting to offer children a glimpse of life in an exile community. The word 'Meyul' does not find an exact translation in English but it best defines the place that is not one’s home. As a team of Tibetans and Indians, we set out to see for ourselves what it was like. During the course of our visits and interactions, we realised that it is important to tell these stories for they speak of resilience and forbearance, struggle and hope.


From right to left: Lobsang Thardoe (Think Tibet), Kunga Dorjee ( Chief Representative), Suresh Jayaram (VAC) and Aravinda Anantharaman (Think Tibet) - June 26, 2009



Dorje’s Holiday at the Gyenso Khang is set in the old age home or ‘gyenso khang’ at the Doeguling settlement in Mundgod, north Karnataka. It’s the story about a young boy who accompanies his grandfather who’s searching for his friend. While at the old age home, Dorje explores the place, meets some people and finds a few surprises.

Written with the intent to introduce children to life in exile, this book takes the reader to the first Tibetan old age home set up in India.

Doma Visits the City is the story of the sweater sellers who come to the city every winter, leaving their camps. Dolma’s father is a sweater seller and she misses him during these months. One winter, she and her mother visit Bangalore where her father is, and Dolma wants to help too.

Written with the intent to introduce children to life in exile, this book takes the reader to the lanes adjoining the railway station where the sweater sellers have their stalls. The books will soon be available at Tibetan bookstores but for copies, do contact Lama Mani Books on info@thinktibet.org

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