The guest speakers addressing during the talk session. Photo / Tenzin Jigmey Taydeh / CTA

Dharamshala: As part of its month-long campaign to raise awareness among Tibetans and the international community regarding the issue of the 11th Panchen Lama, His Serenity Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, the Tibet Advocacy Section of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) convened a public talk at Sikyong Hall, Gangchen Kyishong on 15 May 2025.

The session aimed to deepen the understanding of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) staff about the profound spiritual bond shared between His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the 10th Panchen Rinpoche, and to shed light on the longstanding concerns over the unknown whereabouts of the current Panchen Lama, who has been missing since 1995.

The event featured Secretary Lobsang Jinpa from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Dorjee (Singey Rinpoche) of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery as keynote speakers.

Among the attendees were Acting Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra, Kalon of the Department of Education; Tibetan Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phakpa Tsering; Tibetan Parliamentarian Tsering Yangchen, a member of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile; as well as secretaries and staff members of the CTA.

Opening the session, moderator Dukthan Kyi, Joint Secretary and head of the Tibet Advocacy Section, provided a comprehensive overview of advocacy initiatives undertaken over the past five years. Her remarks contextualised these efforts within the broader movement sustained over the past three decades since the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama. She emphasised, “While the Central Tibetan Administration continues to collaborate with Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in organising annual events, Tibetan non-governmental organisations have also spearheaded significant activism and campaigns to draw attention to the gravity of this unresolved issue.” She added, “Until a credible and transparent response is provided by the Chinese government, these advocacy efforts will persist in demanding accountability and truth regarding the 11th Panchen Lama.”

Secretary Lobsang Jinpa offered an in-depth historical account of the spiritual and institutional relationship between the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama lineages. He elaborated on the mutual respect and admiration shared between His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the late 10th Panchen Rinpoche, illustrating his narrative with anecdotes. He also discussed the circumstances surrounding the recognition of the 11th Panchen Lama, noting that, “Although the Chinese government was kept informed throughout the recognition process, it ultimately chose to disregard the legitimate outcome.”

He further addressed the traditional Tibetan protocols for identifying reincarnated lamas and criticised the Chinese government’s distortion of these practices. In particular, he challenged the historical inaccuracies promoted by the Chinese authorities, especially their selective interpretation of Qing dynasty-era precedents, which are grounded in the patron-priest relationship rather than any state authority over religious affairs.

Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Dorjee (Singey Rinpoche) followed with a comprehensive presentation on the life and legacy of the 10th Panchen Lama. He highlighted His Serenity’s moral courage, including his submission of the landmark 70,000-character petition to Chinese authorities, which criticised policies detrimental to the Tibetan people.

Rinpoche further emphasised the 10th Panchen Lama’s unwavering commitment to the preservation and revitalisation of Tibetan language, culture, and religious traditions. He concluded his address by stating, “If we remain steadfast and dedicated in our efforts to preserve our heritage, we will have truly honoured and fulfilled His Serenity’s noble aspirations.”