The founder and initiator of the Association and chief sponsor, is a highly respected local figure in Shangri-la, Dakpa Kelden.

He was a monk in his youth, in time becoming a government officer in the local ‘Ethnic and Religious Affairs Department’.  He was educated in the Minority Academy and attended a Tourism Management course in Austria.  Dakpa Kelden is fluent in English, Chinese, Tibetan, Hindi and other local ethnic languages, and is works tirelessly to protect his hometown culture assets.

Dakpa has helped many people abroad become sensitive to the plights of local customs, who have in turn aided his dream of preservation on a large scale.  Today, under his great effort, the Association has established an initial and workable platform and can expand to include the Thangka Academy.