Jamgon Kongtrul 3rd Memorial Home

In 1987/1988, moved by his encounters with stricken destitute elderly people, the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche began plans to found a Home. Through his meetings with them, he realized the impact of prolonged poverty and destitution on the human spirit. Rinpoche put it quite simply that the Home he envisioned would be “a place where minds must change.” He approached the Rigpe Dorje Foundation (Canada) to support his wish and in response, the Foundation contributed to the establishment of the Home in partnership with Help the Aged Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency.

The Home eventually opened on December 7, 1995. Three of the first seven residents were among those whom the Third Jamgon Kongtrul met in remote Lava in 1987 whose plight moved him deeply.

By 1997, the Home had 27 elderly residents. That year, the first five children joined. All the children were destitute and two among them were blind. As the Home was for elderly people, they were brought in on a temporary basis until a children’s home and blind school would admit them. Very quickly, however, it was clearly evident that the elderly were responding to the children with keen interest and care. Their presence livened the atmosphere at the Home and lifted the spirits of the elderly. A great warmth settled in. A decision was thus made to keep the children. This way, the Home for the Elderly transformed into an Intergenerational Home.

Today, the Home has 22 elderly (12 men and 10 women) and 55 children (28 boys and 27 girls). All the residents, old and young, were living in poverty. They come from remote areas in District Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Sikkim. 

The Home is a big family managed by 9 staff. All staff are regarded as residents of the Home too. To date, since its opening in 1995, the Home has sheltered a total of 194 elderly. Among them 123 passed away, 49 reunited with families and 22 are currently residing in the Home. The Home has also sheltered 153 children, including the 55 still in the Home today. The children study at the Jamgon Kongtrul III Memorial School (JKMS) from Lower Kindergarten class to Lower Secondary Level (Class 8). They continue upper secondary levels (Classes 9 to 12) at Sambhota Tibetan School. At present, the Home has 14 children in JKMS and 28 in Sambhota Tibetan School. Among those studying in Upper Secondary classes, 8 are graduating Class 12 this year.