I can't believe that almost two years have passed since I stepped in the gate of E.S.T., which is the home of 24 homeless refugees. To me these two years seem like an hour of exciting game for kindergarten children. They have just gone without even being noticed.
Of course, when I look back now, so many wonderful things have happened within these two years of stay in E.S.T. If I have to put down all the great things that have occurred in E.S.T. in a list of value, the first thing I would put is not how much I have learned, but how happy I have been in this school or home. And then the things I have learnt, and then others.
In the small village of Gahr Sukkar, which is located in the North of India, there is a white house, which is made distinctive in the village by the colorful Tibetan prayer flags. That's my home and school.
Not far from our school, there stands a magnificent snow-capped mountain as the reminder of all the beautiful mountains we have left behind. The school is surrounded by tall pine trees under whose shadows the students relish their books and write poems. There is also a rather big river flowing nearby. It really looks like a spectacular painting painted by a good artist.
We are greatly grateful to all kind staff members and sponsors without whose care, generosity and help, we would be in the same situation as most Tibetans in Mcleod Ganj who are concerned about their daily bread and have to find jobs as waiters and hotel receptionists to pay for their shelter.
Our only concern is what mark we will get in the big tE.S.T., which we are taking in March. Everything from the basic necessity of food to sports-equipment is provided for us. Yet, we sometimes fail to understand how great the staff and sponsors are and how lucky we are.
We are also equally thankful to all teachers who have come from many parts of the globe to help us. I really want to say you have made a huge change to the lives of twenty four human beings on earth. You can always be proud of what you have done in the time spent in E.S.T.
In this century of economical competition, nothing is given free. However, you have given us knowledge, one of the most precious things in the universe, for free, and for that we will always remain in debt. Moreover, you have proved to us that there are still people in the world who care about poor and weak ones, respect morality and truth and most of all, are prepared to take actions. Here I am talking to both teachers and all people who are parts of our school.
