To the Siddhartha School Partnership Family,
This August and September 2026, I was blessed to have spent some quality time with Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan, the students, and all the staff at the Siddhartha High School Stok. I would like to share with you my experiences, fully realizing that words at times cannot adequately capture the totality of the emotions of the heart.
There were several special events happening in a short period of time–Sports Day and Teachers’ Day at the school; a special lunch for hostel students; farewell lunches and dinners for Principal Dechen Wangmo as she leaves Leh, joining her husband in his transfer to a new army post assignment; and time spent filming Rinpoche sharing his thoughts on the school and ways to live life.
At the school, I witnessed the deep friendship of the students as they competed in a variety of events, from balloon popping for the kindergartners to relay races for the older children. Also, I saw the level of maturity and responsibility of the 9th- and 10th-class students who orchestrated Teachers’ Day, many of whom have been at the school since pre-K. Over time, I have watched many of these children age and mature. With changes in Ladakh have come more job opportunities, but the influx of drugs has led to issues related to overdose and addiction. The older children have shared that the foundations that they are learning at the school, through SEL (social and emotional learning), morning assembly prayers, and academic discipline, have steered them away from negative influences. Your support for the viability of the school is impacting not only how children are being shaped academically but also increasing their resilience as human beings in trying times.
Through the lunches and dinners wishing Principal Dechen well, many goodbye tears were shared by the staff, the students, and Ms. Dechen-le. There was an array of speakers celebrating both where the school has come to and excitement about the future. As one dances with the staff in the circle, you feel the camaraderie of this group of dedicated professionals who for years have educated and guided hundreds of children, all with your encouragement and backing.
Rinpoche reminded me constantly of his charge: to tell all the supporters of the school his gratitude for their generosity. He belly-laughed and said, for a monk, he has “hundreds of children”–at the school and in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, along with hundreds of “nieces and nephews around the world.” He said this school is not about him; he wants for nothing. For the children of Ladakh, he wishes the chance in life that education brings to the people in India.
When I informed Rinpoche I had a chance to get a blessing from His Holiness, he said good, ask him to bless the school and all the supporters. In the few seconds I had before the Dalai Lama, I requested such a blessing. His Holiness put his hands together to his forehead at my mention of the school and closed his eyes. I am hopeful that you can feel the blessings and love sent by His Holiness and Rinpoche; I certainly do.
Sincerely,
Victor Reyes
President
Siddhartha School Partnership-USA Board
