HCEF : Education / Mentoring

Khachodling’s Nurturing Himalayan Youth and Culture Through Holistic Education

For over 20 years, Khachodling has been deeply committed to supporting Himalayan children and youth in both their formal education and cultural mentoring. Under the guidance of Khandro Rinpoche, many students from remote and underprivileged regions of the Indian Himalayas have been nurtured not only academically but also in reconnecting with their rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Every Sunday, Rinpoche opened her home, Drukpa Zimkhang Manali, creating a sacred space where children could learn about their language, food, traditions, ceremonies, songs, and sacred chants. This holistic education has helped many flourish with a deep sense of identity and belonging.

Khachodling’s support now extends beyond schooling. We’ve mentored individuals into higher education, sponsored monks from childhood, and supported diverse skills training — from learning music and driving to traditional cooking and animal care. Students like the first Khachodling student Tenzin Tsokney and Pangi born, Ngawang Tsedub have gone on to make significant contributions in their field of interest as well as giving back in support of the next generation of our Khachodling sangha and community.

What began as support for children has also spurred a broader community movement, especially for women whom have grown deeply in their understanding of their cultural heritage. They have also now began participating in many spiritual and community activities, something unheard of in years gone by! Mothers, who were unfamiliar with their own culture and language due to displacement, found inspiration through their children’s involvement. This has led to the formation of vibrant women’s groups in places like Manali, where they now can actively learn, teach and preserve Himalayan traditions. These women are central to the Manali Drukpa Zimkhang — creating a living, breathing hub of Dharma and community service.

This page highlights a few of the stories and journeys of past and present students, monks, yogis and women who have been educated and mentored through HCEF. Each personal story illustrates how Khachodling continues to plant seeds of education and spiritual growth for the future Himalayan communities.

Alumni – past students and what they are doing now

Over the past two decades, many students have grown through Khachodling’s programs and gone on to higher education, meaningful careers, or spiritual paths. Here’s a look at some of their stories.

Rajat

Student since 2010. Now studies Vocations at Manali College and works in Khachodling Manali Office…

Lakshak Thakur

Student since 2018. Now studies Vocations at Manali College and works in Khachodling Manali Office…

Tenzin Tsokney

Khachodling’s first student in 2008/9. Now has a B.Sc and studying post grad Medical Physics….

Mrinalini Thakur

Student since 2018. Recently attained her Bachelor of Zoology and works in Khachodling Manali Office.

Current Students

Meet some of the young people currently supported through Khachodling’s educational and mentoring programs. These students are mainly engaged in their school education and on the weekends they visit the zimkhang for mentoring and study of their local culture and traditions.

OSHEEN

Jigmed began in 2017 and now is studying 11th standard in a Manali school.

Jigme Zangmo

Joined 2023 to study Veterinary Medicine in Bangladesh. From East Bhutan. Beautiful singer.

SHANVI KARKI

Shanvi began in 2024 and now is studying 1st standard in a Manali school.

Kanchan Rai

Student in Manali

Aaradhya Rashpa

Manali student since 2024. Now studying 8th standard.

Karma Bodh

Student in Manali

Devanshu

Manali student since 2017. Now in 11th standard at a Manali school.

Vikrant

Manali student since 2025. Now in 12th standard at a school in Manali.

Vihaan Rai

Manali student since 2023. Now in 7th standard at a school in Manali.

Jigmed Yangshang

Jigmed began in 2017 and now is studying 11th standard in a Manali school.

Yogis and Monastics

Some children entered the Khachodling fold as young monks or nuns and have grown into spiritual practitioners or community leaders. Their journeys reflect deep commitment and transformation. They are engaged in meditation, study, learning traditional knowledge, and contributing to their communities.

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Women

The mothers of many of our students have become leaders in their own right — forming women’s groups, reclaiming cultural identity, and actively serving their communities.