Vijyender Sharma
DHARAMSHALA: Thousands of Tibetans and friends of Tibet gathered today at the Tsuklagkhang courtyard to celebrate the 25th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Rinpoche, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and strengthened their call for his immediate release from Chinese detention.
The 11th Panchen Rinpoche, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, also described as the world’s youngest political prisoner, went missing after he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama in 1995. His whereabouts remain unknown even as the Chinese government installed another person, one of their preference, as the Panchen Lama following Gedhun Chokeyi Nyima’s forced disappearance.
The 25th birthday celebration was organised by the Central Tibetan Administration. It was attended by members of the Kashag, Chief Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel ,Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament, members of the Tibetan Parliament and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration along with local public.
A parallel celebration is also being organised at the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Bylakuppe, South India. Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament are in Bylakuppe to mark the auspicious occasion.
Kalon Pema Chhinjor, the stand-in Sikyong, delivered Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay’s statement on the 25th birth anniversary of the Panchen Rinpoche at Dharamshala.
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, delivered the Tibetan Parliament’s statement.
Mr. Tsangtruk Top, a Tibetan researcher based in Dharamshala, spoke about the life and death of the previous Panchen Lama, the recognition of the current Panchen Rinpoche, his disappearance and the worldwide reaction invoked by the tragic incident.
The birthday celebration was followed by cultural performances by Tibetan school students and distribution of sweets and snacks to the public.
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