Wednesday, 23 April 2008, 12:14 p.m.

Dharamshala: Tibetans in
Dharamshala will mark the 19th birthday of the Panchen Lama on Friday,
25 April, with an early morning prayer congregation – to be led by
monks of the Namgyal monastery – in remembrance of those people, who
have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet.

At 6 AM, people will gather at Lhagyalri to perform Sangsol (incense offering ceremony).

The Central Association for His Serenity the Panchen Lama, which
is the administrative head of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, based in
Bylakuppe, South India, has made the announcement.

Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche will address the function at the Tsuglagkhang (main temple).

Speaker Karma Chophel will also address the day.

Later in the evening, people will gather at the main temple to
hold a candle light procession – covering a circular route through bus
stand, Gu-Chu-Sum, and circumambulation path (Lingkor).

A documentary on the life histories of successive Panchen Lamas
and their relations with the successive Dalai Lamas will be screened.

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the six-year-old boy identified by His
Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, disappeared on 17 May
1995. The Chinese government later admitted to holding the boy and his
family in “protective custody”.

Despite repeated appeals to gain access to the boy, no
international agency or human rights organisation has been granted
contact with the young Panchen Lama or his family. To date, their
well-being and whereabouts remain unknown.