The Special reprint of the book “Tibet’s Stolen Child” was launched as part of the 30th anniversary event of the 11th Panchen Lama’s disappearance.

Dharamshala: To mark the 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, the Tibet Advocacy Section of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in collaboration with Upper TCV school organised a students elocution on the life and legacy of the 10th and 11th Panchen Lama at Hermann Gmeiner Hall, Upper TCV School, today, Saturday, at 3:00 PM.

Upon the arrival of the chief guest and special guest, they were warmly welcomed by TCV President Sonam Sichoe, Education Director Ngawang Lhamo, Director Tsultrim Dorjee, Principal Tenzin Choekyi, and the students.

The program commenced with an opening address by Karma Choeying, Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations. In his remarks, he introduced the purpose of the event and outlined the objectives of the commemoration, emphasising the significance of remembering the 11th Panchen Lama’s disappearance and educating the younger generation about the continued Tibetan struggle for justice and religious freedom.

The event was attended by Chief Guest Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Special guests Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Dorjee (Singye Rinpoche), representative of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and Jigme Namgyal, Secretary of the Department of Education, who addressed the gathering respectively.

Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Dorjee emphasised the spiritual and political significance of the day, stating, “The enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama is not only a personal tragedy but a symbol of China’s ongoing suppression of Tibetan religion and identity.”

Rinpoche further underscored the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and continuing the collective struggle for truth. He expressed hope that truth will ultimately prevail and lead to the fulfilment of the Tibetan cause. He emphasised the importance of preserving the Tibetan language as a pillar of Tibetan identity and the younger generation is the future seed of Tibet and must recognise the worthiness of our language and heritage.

Jigme Namgyal, Secretary of the Department of Education, reflected on the importance of youth engagement: “Educating the younger generation about the Tibetan cause is essential in preserving our identity and carrying forward the legacy of our spiritual leaders like Panchen Lama.”

Additionally, he commended the initiative as a meaningful platform to instil awareness, responsibility, and a sense of national identity among Tibetan students.

The participants of the elocution include students from various Tibetan schools in and around Dharamshala, including Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School, TCV Upper, TCV Suja, TCV Chauntra, and TCV Gopalpur.

Representing from each school covering different topic of elocution reflect on the 10th Panchen Lama’s life, legacy and unjust disappearance of the the 11th Panchen Lama, as well as the historical relationship between Panchen Lama lineages, the traditional recognition process of the 11th Panchen Lama, and his subsequent abduction by Chinese authorities—a clear violation of international law and religious freedom.

The gathering concluded with a quiz session on this significant historical matter and the launch of the special reprint of the book “Tibet’s Stolen Child,” which meticulously documents the life and circumstances surrounding the 11th Panchen Lama’s disappearance.

Following this, the Chief Guest, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, graced the occasion with an address. In his speech, he reflected on the unjust disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama and highlighted the continued responsibility of the Tibetan people to keep his memory alive. He encouraged the younger generation to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, justice, and the preservation of Tibetan identity, and commended the participating students and organisers.

The program also includes the presentation of certificates of appreciation to participating student speakers and scarves of gratitude to the Tibetan teachers and mentors involved in preparing the students.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Dukthen Kyi, head of the Tibet Advocacy Section at the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).