Chinese authorities have permanently closed the Ganjong Sherig Academy, a Tibetan educational institution in Golog, after it refused to incorporate Chinese Communist Party ideology into its curriculum. The academy, founded by the late Tulku Hungkar Dorje, was shut down once its final cohort of about 30 students completed their studies, according to Tibet Times.
Background of the Closure
Nearly two years ago, Chinese authorities warned the academy that it would face closure unless it introduced CCP political education. Tulku Hungkar Dorje rejected the demand, insisting on preserving the institution's focus on Tibetan language, culture, and traditional education. Following his refusal, officials barred the school from admitting new students, leading to its eventual closure after the last students graduated.
Founder's Vision and Impact
Tulku Hungkar Dorje described the academy as the embodiment of his lifelong commitment to preserving Tibetan identity, stating it represented "the very bone and marrow of my love for my people." Founded on July 6, 2008, near Lung-ngon Monastery, the academy offered courses in Tibetan language, English, painting, traditional Thangka art, and calligraphy. Dorje also established the Qinghai Gesar Philanthropic Foundation in 2004 and founded the Hungkar Dorje Nationalities Vocational High School, along with nearly 14 primary and secondary schools that provided free education to thousands of Tibetan children.
Wider Crackdown on Tibetan Schools
Since 2021, Chinese authorities have shut down several Tibetan schools across Golog, including the prominent Ragya Gangjong Sherig Norbuling School in July 2024. The closure of Ganjong Sherig Academy has sparked widespread grief among current and former students, many of whom changed their WeChat profile backgrounds to photographs of the academy and Tulku Hungkar Dorje, sharing messages mourning the loss of an institution they say symbolized the preservation of Tibetan religion, language, and cultural heritage.
