Himachal CM Surprises Children at Dharamshala Charity with Heartfelt Visit

On December 5, 2025, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made an unexpected visit to the Tong-Len Charitable Trust in Dharamshala, bringing joy to the children there. His visit aimed to support the charity's efforts in transforming the lives of displaced families through education and empowerment. The CM praised the organization for its impactful work and expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift vulnerable communities. Founded by a compassionate Tibetan monk, Tong-Len has been instrumental in providing education and dignity to children who once faced extreme poverty. Discover more about this heartwarming event and the charity's mission.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 15:19 IST

A Joyful Surprise for Children

Sourabh Sood

Dharamshala: On December 5, 2025, a typical day at the Tong-Len Charitable Trust transformed into a joyous occasion when Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unexpectedly visited the organization during his time in Dharamshala for the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha.

The moment the children noticed the Chief Minister entering their courtyard, excitement erupted, accompanied by applause and cheerful shouts of “Yes Sir!” as their faces brightened with joy. Sukhu's surprise visit aimed to support the organization that has been diligently improving the lives of displaced and homeless individuals residing in slum areas around Dharamshala. He engaged with the children, listened to their experiences, and praised the initiative for using education as a means of empowerment.

Empowering Lives Through Education

‘Taking on humanity, one step at a time’

Tong-Len, a small yet impactful charity established in 2004, focuses on families enduring extreme poverty. Many children previously relied on begging or scavenging before the Trust intervened to provide them with education, shelter, and dignity.

The organization operates its own school and hostel for at-risk children, striving to break what it terms “the cycle of inherited poverty.” Numerous students have progressed to higher education, a dream once deemed impossible for families struggling for basic necessities like food, water, and sanitation.

A Commitment to Compassion

CM Sukhu remarked that initiatives like Tong-Len embody the essence of service. “While governments formulate policies, compassionate organizations like this bring those policies to life on the ground,” he stated, expressing his commitment to supporting social models that uplift the most vulnerable.

Born from compassion, built through community support

Tong-Len's inception can be traced back to Jamyang, a Tibetan monk who was profoundly affected by the sight of young Indian children scavenging through garbage and begging in the streets near Dharamshala. He soon discovered that these children lived in makeshift slum settlements, devoid of basic human rights and growth opportunities.

Motivated to make a difference, Jamyang collaborated with fellow refugees and international volunteers, establishing the Trust in India. Over the years, the charity has expanded its global support network with partners in the UK and France and collaborates on various projects with the Dalai Lama Trust.

The name Tong-Len, derived from the Tibetan concept of ‘giving and taking,’ encapsulates its philosophy — to empathize with the suffering of others and provide compassion, love, and opportunities in return.