The Thangka Painting Institute has been a cornerstone of our efforts, with two branches—one in Jorpati and another in Kirtipur. Here, aspiring artists with disabilities are learning the intricate and spiritual art of Thangka painting, a traditional for of Buddhist art. This program empowers trainees to express themselves through their art while preserving an important aspect of traditional handicraft culture.
The BIA Thangka Painting Institute was inaugurated on July 26, 2014 by Ani
Choying Dolma and Chogyal Rinpoche. Initially run in the residential building in Chabahil offered by Chogyal Rinpoche’s mother and renovated into a well facilitated disable friendly place by one of Rinpoche’s Chinese friend Li Hong, this project is currently run by BIA Institute in Jorpati. Students in wheelchair mostly suffering from spinal injuries are learning the tools and techniques of traditional Tibetan thangka painting under the supervision of the veteran thangka teacher Ngawang Chhiri Sherpa, a wheelchair user himself, and two other teachers. After increasing number of students, Thangka Painting Institute – II was started in Kirtipur branch where all female students are learning the Thangka art.
Thangka have a therapeutic effect and requires much focus, time and energy. With thangka painting project in B.I.A., wheelchair users get the opportunity to sit and immerse into the art like a meditation, while at the same time earn their independent living and create future prospects.
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