The inauguration ceremony of Kasur Tashi Wangdi’s autobiography “My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile” at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Gangchen Kyishong on 7 June 2024 in Exile”. Photo: Tenzin Paljor | TPiE

Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the chief guest, along with Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Geshe Lhakdor as special guests, launched Kasur Tashi Wangdi’s autobiography “My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile” at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala on 7 June 2024.

In his keynote speech, Sikyong Penpa Tsering shared the story of his first encounter with former Kalon Tashi Wangdi. He commended Kasur Tashi Wangdi for his over four decades of service to the Tibetan people. Tashi Wangdi had held six cabinet minister positions and served as the representative of the Offices of Tibet. Sikyong stressed the importance of the younger generation of Tibetans learning about the hardships and sacrifices of the senior ministers who supported His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the difficult times of the Tibetan freedom struggle. Sikyong concluded his speech by urging Tibetan elders to document their own histories in line with the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also advised Tibetans to cherish historical evidence and research materials, emphasising the importance of preserving them.

During her address, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang acknowledged the lifelong dedication and service of former Kalon Tashi Wangdi to the cause of Tibet. She also commended the author for his decision to write his autobiography, following the advice of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Deputy Speaker provided a detailed account of the author’s life, starting from his early days as a senior clerk at the beginning of the Central Tibetan Administration, which was formerly known as the Gaden Phodrang government. She also highlighted his journey to becoming Kalon (Minister) serving the CTA’s departments. Additionally, she recognised the significant sacrifices made by the former Kalon’s family in supporting him in his duties, especially acknowledging the contributions of his late wife Dikyi and his children, whom she found equally remarkable and praiseworthy.

Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma from the Department of Information and International Relations, Secretaries from Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Secretaries from Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and former CTA dignitaries and bureaucrats also graced the book launch event.

Kasur Tashi Wangdi addressing the gathering during his autobiography launch event at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala on 7 June 2024. Photo: Tenzin Paljor | TPiE

Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the gathering during the book launch event for former Kalon Tashi Wangdi’s autobiography “My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile” at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala on 7 June 2024. Photo: Tenzin Paljor | TPiE

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang addressing the gathering during the book launch event for former Kalon Tashi Wangdi’s autobiography “My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile” at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala on 7 June 2024. Photo: Tenzin Paljor | TPiE

Geshe Lhakdor, director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, addressing the gathering during the book launch event for former Kalon Tashi Wangdi’s autobiography “My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile” at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala on 7 June 2024. Photo: Tenzin Paljor | TPiE

Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations, along with CTA secretaries, OHHDL secretaries, and former CTA dignitaries, are present at the book launch event. Photo: Tenzin Paljor | TPiE