Bylakuppe: The Tibetan community in exile marked the 37th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, with prayers, cultural programmes and renewed calls for justice at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe yesterday.
The event brought together senior leaders of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, including Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Tibetan Parliament Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, along with leaders Yeshi Wangmo and Lobsang Jinpa, besides monks, officials and members of the Tibetan diaspora.
The programme began with special prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama and for the well-being and reappearance of the Panchen Lama, who has remained out of public view since 1995. The monastery campus echoed with chants and traditional instruments, lending a solemn yet spiritually uplifting atmosphere to the occasion.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement that National Endowment for Democracy has conferred its 2025 Democracy Service Medal on Panchen Lama, recognising him as a global symbol of religious freedom, human rights and resistance to cultural erasure.
The commemorative medal was displayed to the gathering by Zeekyab Tulku, Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, drawing attention to continuing international concern over his status.
On the occasion, the monastery also released significant publications, including the historic “70,000-Character Petition” authored by the 10th Panchen Lama, a landmark critique of policies in Tibet and a detailed biography by noted scholar Kachen Lobzang Zotpa.
The publications underscore the historical and spiritual significance of the Panchen Lama lineage and its enduring links with India.
Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasised that the issue of the Panchen Lama transcends Tibet and remains a matter of global concern linked to fundamental human rights and religious freedom.
Penpa Tsering called for sustained international advocacy and urged democratic nations to press for transparency regarding the Panchen Lama’s whereabouts. Other speakers highlighted the need to preserve Tibetan identity and cultural heritage in exile.
The celebrations concluded with traditional music and dance performances, reflecting the vibrancy and resilience of Tibetan culture. Organisers said the event was not merely a commemoration, but a reaffirmation of community’s commitment to truth, justice and preservation of its spiritual heritage.
This post was published on April 26, 2026 5:47 pm