TCV was established on 17th May 1960 by H.H Dalai Lama. At Start fifty-one children arrived from the road construction camps in Jammu, ill and malnourished. Mrs. Tsering Dolma Takla, the elder sister of His Holiness, volunteered to look after them. Initially these children were assigned to members of the Dalai Lama's entourage, but before long the Government of India offered its assistance, renting Conium House to accommodate all the children together. At that time, the centre was under the name "Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children."

Originally, the Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children provided only basic care for children. When they reached the age of eight, they were sent to other residential schools established by the Government of India. But eventually this arrangement could not be continued as all the residential schools filled to capacity. This left the Nursery to find a solution to the problem of overcrowding. Thanks to the foresight and courage of Mrs. Jetsun Pema, then the Director, it was decided that the Nursery had to grow and expand despite many apparent obstacles.

A massive re-organization plan was set into motion. This included seeking help from private donors and international aid organizations. A period of hectic construction work ensued to provide for more houses and classrooms for children. The Nursery slowly took the shape of a small village with its own school and homes. In 1971, TCV took over the small nursery in Patlikuhl and expanded it into a residential school. In 1972, it was formally registered under the Societies Act as Tibetan Children's Village, and it also became a full-fledged member of SOS Kinderdorf International.

GOALS OF TCV
 

• Provide parental care and love
• Develop a sound understanding of Tibetan identity and culture
• Develop character and moral values
• Provide effective modern and Tibetan education
• Provide child -centered learning atmosphere in the schools
• Provide environment for physical and intellectual growth
• Provide suitable and effective life and career guidance for social and citizenship skills