User:Taphun555

Tashi Phuntsok Barling

About Myself

I am Tashi Phuntsok and presently working at the Tibet Museum as curator, exhibition designer and project manager.

My parent belong to southern part of the central province (U-tsang) in independent Tibet. Following the occupation of Tibet by the People Republic of China in 1959, my parent came into exile in Bhutan and settle there for 30 years as a refugee in Bhutan.

Later, my parent along with three thousand Tibetans came into second exile in 1982 and settle permanently in Dehra Dun.

Education

Senior Higher Secondary Education from CST Dalhousie, HP

Bachelor of Arts from Government College for Men, Sector 11, Chandigarh

Master of Art in History from Panjab University, Chandigarh

Vocational Training in Desktop Publishing, Amnye Machen Institute, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala

Work Experience:

Graphic Designer at Publication Section, Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration

Information Officer at Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Dharamsala

Project Officer at Planning Section, Department of Home, CTA

Director at the Tibet Museum, Department of Information and International Relations, CTA

About the Tibet Museum

The Tibet Museum of the Department is located in Dharamsala, India. It was established in 1998 as one of the sections of the Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration. Its aim is to document, preserve, research, exhibit and educate the public on all matters related to the Tibetan history and culture. Initially named the Tibetan National Commemoration and Documentation Center, many different approaches were discussed before the final concept was agreed upon by the Central Tibetan Administration. On April 30th, 2000, His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated the museum in a ceremony attended by around 300 dignitaries and volunteers. The Tibet Museum presents Tibet’s history and visions for its future through texts, photographs, videos and installations.

The primary mission of the Museum is to disseminate knowledge of the Chinese occupation of Tibet, to provide personal accounts of lives lost in Tibet during its occupation, to educate the global community on the continuous and ongoing abuses waged by the Chinese government against the Tibetan people, and to highlight the democratic and peaceful nature of the Tibetan movement for freedom and human rights. The Museum aims to educate the Tibetan exile community on the values of democracy, human rights and the environment while also bringing attention to the spirit and pride of Tibetans through their rich culture and ancient history.

Besides its permanent exhibition, the Museum seeks to achieve these goals through the establishment of photographic and audiovisual archives around the world. The Museum curatorial staff also travels to different parts of India to showcase exhibitions at schools, monasteries and Tibetan settlements, as well as Indian communities.

Mission:

Through photographs, videos and installations, the Tibet Museum aims to inform the public about Tibet’s history, current situation, rich cultural heritage and resilience in the face of incredible odds.

Goals:

To leave a visual record and archive of the Tibetan people’s collective history for future generations. To offer a permanent commemoration site that is easily accessible to tourists and local communities in Dharamsala. To make the museum collection accessible to the global community. To build and reinforce the Tibetan people’s pride in their culture and history through photographs and other visual materials that serve as a reminder of Tibet’s current political situation.

Museum Sections

The Tibet Museum is a body of resources and information for, of, and by the Tibetan people. The Tibet Museum has three main sections:

1. The Permanent Museum
2. The Photographic Archives
3. Traveling Exhibition

Permanent Museum – The Tibet Museum: The Tibet Museum or Demton-khang (in Tibetan) was established on 22 June 1998, as a permanent memorial and commemoration site for the Tibetans who have died as a result of the Chinese occupation. The Museum features our main and permanent exhibition titled “A Long Look Homeward”, depicting the results of the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the situation inside Tibet—then and now. It is divided into two sections: the first floor presents the Chinese occupation of Tibet and its results, and the second displays Tibet’s past and hopes for its future.

The Tibet Museum screens documentaries on Tibet daily, at 3.00 pm, and also invites experts to conduct talks and lectures on Tibet-related issues. The museum also holds temporary short-term exhibitions.

The Tibet Museum is located in the Main Temple complex in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. The temple area is visited by thousands of foreigners, Tibetans and Indians every year. The museum’s beautiful building, location and the wealth of knowledge makes it a must-see for anyone living in or visiting Dharamsala.

The Photographic Archive Section: The photographic archive section preserves a large collection of historic and contemporary images of Tibet that cater to writers, researchers and publications worldwide.

The Tibet Museum’s archive section has a collection of more than 30,000 rare photographs in the form of printed copies, slides and negatives. Images dating back to the time of the 13th Dalai Lama and many unique photographs of independent Tibet are available in the archive. The museum also collects Tibet related photographs, and any individual who wishes to donate relevant photographs to the archive are most welcome. Due credit will be given to the original owner whenever the museum uses the photograph in one of its exhibitions or publications.

Traveling Exhibition: The Tibet Museum’s staff visits schools, settlements, monasteries and other public places in India to showcase photo exhibitions related to Tibet’s history, culture and democracy in exile. During the traveling exhibitions, the museum organizes documentary film screenings on Tibet’s history, culture and current situation.

The museum currently has seven exhibitions. The photographs and texts are displayed on large panels that are easy to transport and allow for multiple display set-ups:

1. The Burning Question – Why are Tibetans turning to Self-immolation? (10 panels)
2. Journey into Exile (35 panels)
3. Glimpses of the History of Tibet (27 panels)
4. Peace Apostle (45 panels)
5. Biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (38 panels)
6. A Long Look Homeward (25 panels)
7. 50 Years in Exile (96 panels)