Dharamshala: The 9th Non-sectarian Debate, jointly organised by the Department of Religion and Culture (CTA) and Pal Shenten Menri Ling, commenced in Dolanji on 5 April 2026.

Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, Dhondul Dorjee, attended the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, alongside the chief guest, the 34th Kyabje Gyalwa Menri Trizin, Lungtok Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche.

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of a butter lamp by the two distinguished guests, followed by offering of auspicious prayers by the congregation.

Following a welcome address and introductory remarks about the host monastery by the Joint Secretary of Pal Shenten Menri Ling, the 34th Kyabje Gyalwa Menri Trizin Rinpoche formally launched a publication by the Department of Religion and Culture. The publication contains compilations of speeches delivered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the course of 15 successive Tibetan Religious Conferences.

The opening ceremony continued with addresses by the chief guest and the special guest.

The 9th Non-sectarian Debate, being held from 5 to 9 April 2026, features the presentation of scholarly papers by 22 Khenpos, Lopons, and Geshes, followed by discussions and debates. A total of 85 monks and nuns from 45 monasteries and nunneries are participating in the event.

Since the 11th Tibetan Religious Conference, under the visionary guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Department of Religion and Culture has organised this series of Non-sectarian Debates at various monasteries. The initiative aims to promote the exchange of knowledge among different traditions and schools of Yungdrung Bön and Tibetan Buddhism, thereby fostering mutual respect and harmony.

The ongoing 9th Non-sectarian Debate is being broadcast live on the official Facebook pages of Tibet TV and Menri Media.

On 6 April, Secretary Dhondul Dorjee called on Shri Chander Prakash Verma, Secretary for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Himachal Pradesh, to discuss matters concerning the Department of Religion and Culture (CTA). As a token of appreciation, he presented Shri Chander Prakash Verma with a thangka of the Buddha. Chief Representative Officer of Shimla, Lhakpa Tsering, accompanied Secretary Dhondul Dorjee during this visit.

– Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA