Dharamshala: The leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service this afternoon at the Sikyong Hall to mourn the demise of former Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen, who passed away on 21 June 2026 at his residence in the Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement, Kollegal.

The late former Chief Justice Commissioner devoted more than four decades of his life to the Central Tibetan Administration, serving in various roles with unwavering commitment and dedication.

During the prayer ceremony, officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, briefly reflected on the life and contributions of the late former Chief Justice Commissioner and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Brief Bio:

Born in 1952 in Rapang in Rutok Dzong, Ngari (Tibet), Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen came into exile in Ladakh in 1960. In 1963, he arrived at the Dharamshala settlement and enrolled at the Central School for Tibetans in Mussoorie, where he completed his Class XI education in 1972.

During his school years, he served as a House Prefect for four years and as School Captain for three years. He also acted as a cultural coordinator of the regional chapter of the Tibetan Youth Congress. After graduation, he pursued a one-year secretarial studies programme in Delhi, during which he also served as a liaison cum accountant at the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress.

On 16 July 1974, he joined the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) civil service and began his career at the Department of Finance. In 1975, he was appointed Office Secretary of Gangtok Tibetan Settlement under the Department of Home. While serving in this capacity, he completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree through correspondence studies with Chandigarh University.

In 1983, he was posted to the Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement in Ravangla, where he served for one year as Office Secretary and for more than a year as Acting Tibetan Settlement Officer. During this period, he simultaneously carried out the responsibilities of Settlement Officer, Secretary of local Tibetan Cooperative Society, and Manager of the local Tibetan factory.

In February 1993, he was transferred and appointed Rector of the Central School for Tibetans in Darjeeling. In March 1997, he was appointed Joint Secretary at the Administration Section of the Department of Health. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the Department of Information and International Relations, where he also served in the Administration Section.

In November 1998, he was appointed Secretary of the Office of Tibet in the United States. In May 2002, he was promoted to Secretary and appointed Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. In April 2004, following a nomination recommendation, he was appointed General Secretary of the Tibetan Homes Foundation in Mussoorie.

On 16 December 2005, he took the oath of office as a Tibetan Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. On 16 October 2009, he was sworn in as Chief Justice Commissioner. After completing a full five-year term, he retired from public service on 15 October 2014. 

He passed away on 21 June 2026 at the age of 74 at his residence in the Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement.