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CTA’s Education Department launches maiden animated film for children in Tibetan

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, June 22: The Education Department of the Central Tibetan Administration launched its first ever animated short film for children in Tibetan language titled ‘The Forgetful Aku Phagpa’ yesterday at Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala.

Education Kalon (minister) of CTA, Ngodup Tsering and Secretaries Nangsa Chodon and Karma Singhe along with Head of Education Council, Tsering Samdup released two episodes each of ‘The Forgetful Aku Phagpa’ and Tibetan dubbed animated film on the life of Buddha.

19403442_1564167056961032_1432614188_oThe project was funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Education Department teamed up with Tibetan professionals to nurture Tibetan artists with a goal of promoting Tibetan language among exiled Tibetan children.

Jamphel Dorjee of Jamphel Animations created ‘The Forgetful Aku Phagpa’ and the life of Buddha – which was originally made in Hindi by Indian Television Channel, Epic – was translated by Acharya Karma Monlam, Chair of the High level Standardizing Board and dubbed into Tibetan by Tibetan Dubbing Society.

“Children love watching animated films. The need of Tibetan animated short films for Tibetan children came up at numerous meetings of Education Department. With the launch of the animated films today, we hope it will enhance the Tibetan children in learning their language,” said Tsering Samdup, Head of Education Council.

Aku Phagpa has a total of 10 episodes and the Tibetan dubbed animated film on life of Buddha has 13 episodes. The rest of the episodes are in the pipeline project of the Education Department along with ‘Jorkey and Dhondup’, a Tibetan children’s fable.

“The maiden animated film for children is a stepping stone, with more such projects in the pipeline. It is a contribution by the Education Department in its effort to promote Tibetan language among children,” Education Kalon Ngodup Tsering said and urged Tibetans across India and abroad to converse in Tibetan and specially with children.