Dharamshala: The Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration recently concluded a powerful two-day event titled the “Tibetan inter-school drawing exhibition commemorating the 31st year of the 11th Panchen Lama’s Enforced Disappearance on 17 May 2026.” The event took place at the Tsuglakhang Complex in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, from 17 to 18 May 2026. The inter-school competition and subsequent exhibition saw active participation from junior, middle, and senior students (Classes 4–12) representing 13 exile schools across India. The exhibition was primarily aimed at raising global awareness about the 11th Panchen Lama on the somber 31st anniversary of his abduction, while simultaneously spotlighting the daily human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet. The opening ceremony was graced by special guest His Eminence the 13th Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche.

The core theme provided to the young artists for the April-May 2026 drawing competition was “Raising Awareness on the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet.” A total of 13 schools were involved, with each school permitted to nominate a maximum of 15 students (up to 5 per academic category). To ensure a level playing field, the organisers supplied all necessary artistic mediums, allowing students to work freely with drawing pencils, watercolours, acrylic colours, sketch pens, and oil paints.

The painting competition took place within the respective schools, with most institutions hosting the event on 25 April 2026, marking the 37th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, while a few organised it around that period. Throughout the entire process—from drawing the paintings to their final submission to our office—it was distinctly clear how willing Tibetan students from every school were to channel their knowledge of Tibet’s Panchen Lama into vivid and creative expressions. Their artwork powerfully conveyed the urgency, profound concern, and deep emotional connection they hold regarding his enforced disappearance.

Following the submission deadline, the finished artworks were securely dispatched to the organisers and comprehensively evaluated by a panel of three qualified judges. The judging panel assessed the entries strictly based on artistic merit, thematic relevance, and overall creativity. The selected works were then proudly displayed in the public gallery at the Tsuglakhang Complex for the two-day exhibition.

Alongside the student drawings, visitors were guided through a meticulously curated 16-panel exhibition. These informational displays provided profound insights into the historical significance of the Panchen Lama lineage, the life and legacy of the 10th Panchen Lama, and the tragic

circumstances surrounding the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama. Originally released on his 35th birthday in 2024, these historical panels were generously provided by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in South India, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas.

To maximise the exhibition’s impact and keep the conversation alive, custom postcards featuring the students’ poignant artwork, along with informative brochures and books, were distributed freely to the viewing public.

Due to the geographical distance of the participating schools and the absence of physical representatives, a traditional on-site prize distribution ceremony was not held. Instead, the final results, along with the detailed marks, were officially communicated to all participating schools via email.

The top three students in each of the three academic categories (Junior, Middle, and Senior) were recognised for their exceptional visual narratives. The winners from each category have been awarded cash prizes and a Certificate of Merit. Furthermore, as a special mention of encouragement, every student who submitted a valid entry was awarded a Certificate of Participation, ensuring no creative voice went unacknowledged. All cash prizes and physical certificates will be dispatched directly to the respective schools in the coming days.

The event was declared a resounding success, perfectly captured by the sentiments of His Eminence the 13th Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche, who expressed profound awe at the students’ “creativity, talent, and deep knowledge of their history.” Adding to this success, the number of public visitors who attended the exhibition was overwhelmingly high, ultimately fulfilling the event’s core goal of amplifying awareness and spotlighting the ongoing human rights issues in Tibet.

– Report filed by UN, EU, and the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR