Jamgon Kongtrul 3rd Memorial School

Though impressed with the high standard of schools in Kalimpong and Darjeeling, the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul was, however, dismayed by the lack of attention to local values, traditions and culture of the Himalayan people in the education of students. There was also a lack of good educational opportunities for children of lower castes and poor below-poverty level (BPL) families. This moved him to establish a School for needy Himalayan children from poor families of all castes and creeds. To fulfil the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche’s vision, his family, the Sadutshang family, donated land and property to establish the School.

Jamgon Kongtrul III Memorial School opened on May 10, 1997. Its first class was a Lower Kindergarten Class of 30 needy children under the tutelage of 2 teachers. Education was completely free for the first few years. However, through experience, it became clearer and clearer that parents took their children’s education more seriously if they were required to contribute nominally. Today, parents pay for their children’s uniforms. Tuition, text books and school materials are still provided free of charge. The initial nutritional program of daily milk and cookies for all the children is now only provided to those in Kindergarten and Class 1, as the older children are not keen to have them. 

Initially viewed by the community as a school for lower castes, Jamgon Kongtrul 3rd Memorial School accepts children from poor families of all castes and creeds, offering them an education of high academic standards, in a welcoming, clean and pleasant environment. The vision of the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul of bridging the divide of castes and creeds is naturally realized.

The 2025 academic year began in March. The School selected 60 new pupils: 30 for the Lower

Kindergarten Class and 30 others for entrance to various classes from Upper Kindergarten Level to Class 4. Today, the School has 255 pupils (151 boys and 104 girls), 12 teaching staff and 4 non-teaching staff in total.