Dharamshala: Earlier this morning, the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) in Gangchen Kyishong hosted a book launch event graced by the presence of Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari from the Department of Security (CTA). This event was part of TPI’s programmes commemorating the Ghoton celebration in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

The book, Expression in Exile: The Lives of Tibetan Refugees and the Struggle for Cultural Continuity, is a collection of six insightful articles that pay timely tribute not only to the vast spiritual legacy and visionary leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama but also to the remarkable resilience and contributions of the Tibetan people—especially Tibetan women in exile.

Authored by Dr. Lhamo Tso, Assistant Professor of Tibetan Studies at the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education in Bangalore, the book sheds light on diverse experiences within the Tibetan diaspora.

Following opening remarks by Deputy Director of TPI, Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, Secretary Dawa Tsering, Director of TPI, provided an overview of the objectives behind publishing this work. “With a growing number of enthusiastic Tibetan scholars in our community who have so far published their works independently, the TPI recognises these insightful contributions as important materials that deserve institutional support for wider dissemination,” remarked the Director.

He added, “Alongside the research produced by TPI researchers, we consider works that reflect the personal insights of Tibetan scholars on significant topics as vital resources. These materials need to be compiled and made accessible to the general public within our exile community to foster a better understanding of these subjects. Moreover, our aim is to publish Tibetan scholarly research to make it available for presentation at meetings and conferences, especially alongside the work of non-Tibetan scholars internationally.”

In her comprehensive summary of each chapter in the book, Dr. Lhamo Tso highlights the cultural and symbolic significance of the hari ornament—particularly the one once worn by the mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Other topics explored include the ground-breaking conferment of the Geshema degree to nuns in exile—an initiative made possible under the visionary leadership of His Holiness, aimed at including women in higher spiritual education from which they had long been excluded. The book also delves into the evolving role of Tibetan women in community leadership and social participation within the exile context; the resilience of the Tibetan Buddhist community in sustaining peace, creativity, and hope in exile over decades; an assessment of the physical and organisational structure of the Lhasa Sweater Market in Varanasi; and the lived experiences of Tibetan refugees in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivering the keynote address, Security Kalon Dolma Gyari lauded the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) for publishing the book and praised the author for her exceptional work. “You are among the Tibetan women to whom I pay special attention for their knowledge and capability,” she remarked. “After thoroughly reading the book, I discovered many new insights—even on topics I had previously believed I understood.”

Speaking specifically about Gyalyum Chenmo, the mother of His Holiness, Kalon Dolma Gyari noted the lack of written works on her life and contributions. She encouraged further research and publications on Gyalyum Chenmo, emphasising that the chapter in this book offers a valuable glimpse into her life and is written in a language accessible to all, regardless of educational background.

The Security Kalon further praised the book for shedding light on the gradual transformation of Tibetan women’s roles in advocacy, leadership, and community development—crediting this shift to the foresight and inclusive values of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Commenting on the conferral of the Geshema degree, the Kalon candidly acknowledged that, despite His Holiness’ noble intentions, even the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) at times exercises caution in implementing such reforms, which can lead to delays in progress.

In conclusion, Kalon Dolma Gyari extended heartfelt appreciation to all Tibetan scholars and researchers for their contributions to public education and for bringing to light vital yet previously under-explored aspects of Tibetan life and history. She conveyed these remarks on behalf of the 16th Kashag, led by Sikyong Penpa Tsering.