Dharamshala: On 25 April 2024, the Central Tibetan Administration celebrates the 35th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, with inauguration of a Jigsaw Puzzle and distribution of special educational souvenirs to young Tibetan students and monks in nearby schools and monasteries in Dharamshala to deepen their awareness about the Panchen Lama.
Panchen Lama puzzle launch to increase student awareness
The jigsaw puzzle featured a portrait of the 11th Panchen Lama along with a message that reads: China, Release the Panchen Lama, that provides a comprehensive review of the abduction of the Panchen Lama for nearly 29 years by the PRC government. By incorporating interactive elements into the birthday celebration, the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), who organized the event, succeeded in transforming the event into a dynamic educational experience that resonated with students of all ages. Providing students with hands-on experiences, such as assembling jigsaw puzzles, is sure to spark their curiosity and increase their interest in absorbing the message and topics the puzzle aims to teach.
Schoolchildren receive stationery gifts at Panchen Lama’s 35th birthday
Students attending the official birthday celebration of the 11th Panchen Lama were pleasantly surprised as organizers distributed stationary gifts to commemorate the auspicious occasion. In a gesture of appreciation for the attendees’ participation and dedication to their studies, organizers arranged for the distribution of stationary gifts, including notebooks, pens, and other educational materials for both junior and senior students. The gifts were intended to not only commemorate the Panchen Lama’s milestone birthday but also to support the academic pursuits of the attending students. The gesture was met with gratitude and enthusiasm by the attending students, many of whom expressed their excitement at receiving the thoughtful gifts.
The DIIR extended the celebration beyond the event venue by distributing stationary gifts to nearby schools including Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen, Sherab Gatsel Lobling and Tibetan Children’s Village School Upper Dharamshala and monasteries including Gadong, Nechung and Namgyal Monastery school. Alongside these gifts, the jigsaw puzzles aimed at raising awareness about the case of the 11th Panchen Lama were also distributed. These thoughtful gestures were intended to not only celebrate the religious leader’s birthday but also to engage the broader community, particularly the youth, in understanding the significance of the Panchen Lama’s role in Tibetan Buddhism and the ongoing efforts to advocate for his freedom and rightful recognition.
The Continued Disappearance of the Panchen Lama
The continued disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, remains a grave concern, emblematic of the broader human rights violations in Tibet perpetuated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government. Since his enforced disappearance in 1995, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the true Panchen Lama, has been denied his and his family’s fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and expression. The PRC government’s actions constitute a blatant infringement upon religious rights and a violation of international human rights standards. Despite repeated calls from the international community for his release and the restoration of his rights, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s whereabouts remain undisclosed, underscoring the urgent need for increased advocacy and action to address his unjust treatment and secure his freedom.
As supporters gathered to mark the 35th birthday of the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, a solemn atmosphere prevailed, overshadowed by the heavy hearts of those acutely aware of his enforced disappearance at the hands of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Despite the occasion being intended as a commemoration of his life, the absence of the Panchen Lama served as a poignant reminder of the injustice and oppression he continues to endure. Amidst the celebrations, there lingered a collective determination to persist in advocating for the Panchen Lama’s freedom and to shine a light on his enforced disappearance until justice was served and he was reunited with his rightful place among his followers and supporters.
-Filed by the UN, EU, and the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR