Many of his early students were children of poor farmers and herdsmen in the Tibetan areas in Sichuan. Lhamo not only exempted them from tuition fees but also gave them 50 yuan (7 U.S. dollars) each as pocket money every week. Lhamo made all the money by selling his paintings.
Lhamo teaches Tibetan students as well as students of other ethnicities. They are not just interested in Thangka painting but also singing and dancing. The community authorities saw this and helped them form a chorus.
For years, Lhamo's chorus performed for the community countless times for free. Their performances featured a variety of content, including care for children with autism and anti-cult themes.
In 2013, local authorities lent a 300-square-meter venue to Lhamo for free to help with Lhamo's teaching.
With a bigger venue, more students came. Lhamo currently has more than 50 students.
"More students indicate that we can pass on the art to more people," he said.
"Teacher Lhamo and his students have done a lot to enrich the culture and enhance a sense of community here," said community official Li Hanrong. "Helping him is helping ourselves."
