CELEBRATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP | NEXT DOOR TIBETANS ARE CREATING INSPIRING ENTERPRISES

Visionary, dynamic, passionate, warm, friendly, courageous, compassionate– these are just a few of the words which describe Yeshi Lundhup, the founder of Tibet World – A one-of-a-kind organisation where the World meets Tibet and Tibet Meets the World.

Since his school days, it was Yeshi’s dream to start a unique business for the Tibetan Community and that dream was finally realized in February 2013 with Tibet World. Yeshi envisions Tibet World as a communitycentre promoting Tibetan culture, providing education and training for Tibetans and facilitating cultural exchange with people across the world.

Yeshi is no stranger to difficulties and challenges – he escaped from Tibet and came to India when he was just 13. His entrepreneurial journey has also brought its own set of problems – no family backing, no financial assets, no land to start the business and plenty of legal hurdles in registration. Yet, Yeshi has shown uncommon resolve and strength in tackling these issues. His magnanimity and charisma has won him many supporters across the world, who he now considers Tibet World’s friends and family. He applied to TechnoServe’s Empowering Tibetan Businesses program where he was able to think through different ideas and come up with ‘Tibet World.’ He says, rather matter-of-factly, “I believe entrepreneurship is not an easy task, it demands lot of hard work and patience, and then only you will succeed”.His enthusiasm and determination has shown tangible results – what started out as an idea post the TechnoServe workshop in October is already a fully operational organization, currently offering classes in English, Chinese and German.

Yeshi has just finalized a grand new location for Tibet World in McLeodganj! He is working with the TechnoServe team to complete all legal formalities, post which, he hopes to raise funds from Tibet support organizations and individual volunteers.

“In next 5 years,I hope to open my organization branch in five different countries.” He has pioneering ideas for Tibet World, which include cultural exchange opportunities, special workshops and scholarships for school children, events in music and dance by Tibetans and artists from India and other countries, workshops on Buddhism teachings, talks on Tibetan history, culture, politics, economics, experience and folk tales sharing sessions, celebration of festivals, community meals, and who knows, even a Tibetan talent show!

An entrepreneur with a big heart and a big dream – this is what makes Yeshi Lundhup and Tibet World so special. As Yeshi charts out the road ahead, we’re sure his journey will lead him to continuous milestones of success!