London, 25 April 2026: The Representative and Secretary of the Office of Tibet, London, attended the 37th birthday commemoration of His Serenity the 11th Panchen Lama, organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain at the UK Palyul Centre in London on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, Representative Tsering Yangkey described the occasion as a “bitter-sweet moment” for Tibetans, as they marked the birthday of the Panchen Lama who has remained missing for over three decades. Reflecting on the sustained international advocacy campaigns calling for his release, she noted with concern that these efforts have yet to yield any tangible outcome.
In this context, the Representative raised the question of whether it may be time to consider a strategic shift in advocacy—moving from calls for his release towards urging the Chinese government to make public a recent photograph of the 11th Panchen Lama. She called on Tibetans to unite around this renewed appeal and to strengthen efforts in preserving Tibetan language and identity, echoing the vision of the 10th Panchen Lama, who was a strong proponent of Tibetan linguistic and cultural heritage.
The commemoration began with the Representative and invited guests lighting 37 butter lamps, symbolising the Panchen Lama’s 37th birthday. The Chairperson of the Tibetan Community in Britain followed with remarks highlighting the enduring significance of the 11th Panchen Lama and the profound legacy of the 10th Panchen Lama in safeguarding Tibetan identity.
Other highlights of the event included Michael Whitewood, Trustee of the Tashi Lhunpo UK Trust, who read excerpts from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery’s official statement marking the occasion. Nagul Yonten, a musician based in Bath, offered musical tributes associated with the Panchen Lama, adding a reflective tone to the gathering.
The programme also featured prayers for the long life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and for global peace. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting, accompanied by the singing of a birthday song by attendees.
The Tibetan Community in Britain hosted tea, refreshments, and dinner for participants, who marked the occasion in a spirit of unity and remembrance.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, London
