DHARAMSALA: The Central Tibetan Administration has mourned the sad demise of Mr Jampa Kalden, who dedicated his service for the cause of Tibet both in Tibet and in exile.
Despite utmost efforts to treat his illness, Mr Jampa Kalden breathed his last on 25 December. He was 89.
The Kashag expressed its deep condolences to his family members. As a mark of respect, the CTA organised a prayer service this afternoon, following which all the offices remained closed.
Mr Jampa Kalden was born at Tsawa Dzokhang district in Chamdo in 1923.
He was part of the members who presented a golden throne on behalf of the Tibetan people to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Lhasa in 1957. He later worked during His Holiness’s Kalachakra initiation in Tibet.
Following the invasion of Tibet by the communist Chinese government, he joined Chushi Gangdrug’s campaigns against the invading forces in late 1950’s.
He took part in the Tibetan National Uprising against the Chinese repression in 1959, and consequently wounded and arrested in the crackdown.
After coming into exile in 1960, he worked in the Department of Security, and Information & International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration.
In 1962, he was appointed head of the newly-established Danglob Mag-Gar and worked till 1976.
He was later appointed secretary of the Department of Security and served the administration till 23 March 1987. After formal retirement, he stayed at Herbertpur near Dehradun in northern India.
Mr Jampa Kalden is survived by his family members.