Loden Foundation warmly welcomed the new batch of Loden Post School Scholars 2025 with an orientation programme that was unlike any in the past. In a spirit of openness and community, the gathering was made special with a potluck lunch co-organised by the Loden team and the parents and guardians of the scholars. This informal setting allowed the students, their families, and the team at Loden to connect meaningfully, sharing not just food but stories, aspirations, and encouragement.
The day began with Mr. Lobzang Jurme, Education Programme Officer, who officially introduced the Loden Education Initiative. He walked the scholars and their guardians through the guidelines of the Loden Post School Scholarship and facilitated the agreement signing. The session provided clarity, structure, and a sense of shared purpose for the academic journey ahead.
The scholars then had the opportunity to meet Mr. Sangay Tshering, President of Loden Foundation. He spoke about Loden’s diverse programme areas, especially highlighting his own lived experiences as an entrepreneur and someone driven by social impact. With sincerity and energy, he emphasized the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. Entrepreneurship, he said, is not just a career choice but a mindset.
Drawing from his own story, he reflected on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and noted how programmes like SEED (Student Empowerment through Entrepreneurship Development) offer a stepping stone for young students to start early. He reminded the scholars that unemployment is not a dead-end but a call for innovation. The solution, he said, lies in their very own hands. His message was both practical and inspiring:
“You have the potential to shape your path and solve the challenges you see around you.”
Later in the afternoon, the scholars met with Loden’s Founder, Dr. Karma Phuntsho. True to his nature, Dr. Karma spent time with the scholars individually, asking them about their dreams and aspirations. His words were thoughtful, deeply grounded, and filled with timeless wisdom.
“You will no longer be spoon-fed,” he began gently. “Your education must now be something you pursue, not just within your textbooks, but far beyond them.”
He encouraged the students to focus on wholesome education by engaging in lectures, dialogues, and extracurricular activities that enrich the mind and spirit. He spoke of the transformative power of reading and urged them to visit libraries, read books by classical thinkers and global authors, and develop the habit of lifelong learning.
Dr. Karma also touched on real-world challenges. He spoke openly about youth issues such as alcohol, peer pressure, and relationships. He reminded them that these are part of growing up, but with wisdom, he advised, “Be mindful. Set limits. Have fun, live fully, but live meaningfully.”
He encouraged scholars to set goals, make each day purposeful, and to become individuals of value not just in terms of achievement, but in character.
He concluded his talk with a beautiful Buddhist saying:
“The merit of making one human being capable is greater than building a hundred stupas.”
This powerful message captured the essence of why Loden exists – to empower individuals with the values, knowledge, and guidance needed to walk the right path. It was a heartfelt reminder to the scholars that this journey is not only about personal success, but about becoming capable, responsible, and compassionate human beings who can serve others and contribute meaningfully to society.
As the day came to a close, the energy in the room was filled with new beginnings, renewed hope, and a shared responsibility.
To all our newly selected scholars, congratulations. The Loden Foundation believes in your dreams and walks beside you in your journey toward becoming thoughtful, compassionate, and capable individuals.
Together, let us grow in knowledge, purpose, and in service to others.
Photographs and Written by Mr Kinley C Tenzin, Communications
