Ven. Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende joined Ba Zingon Monastery for Buddhist studies after studying at a local primary school. In 1992, he joined the Drepung Loseling Monastery in southern India to further his Buddhist studies. He was honored with a Bachelor, Master, Karampa degree, Lopon degree, and Geshe Lharam degree (Ph.D.) in Buddhist philosophy, after doing intensive Buddhist studies for almost 20 years.

He was the person in charge of the construction of the monks’ quarters and monastery hall and was elected President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL) of Mundgod for two terms (17^th and 18^th BRDLs). He has also served at the Local Tibetan Assembly, Mundgod, for three terms. He has worked as an executive member of Central Dhokham Chushi Gangdrug for two consecutive terms.

Geshe Phende was previously elected to the 16^th and 17^th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, during which he has taken active participation in the official visitation, and outreach programs in India and abroad. He was part of many of the parliamentary committees including the Standing Committee, the 9^th Public Accounts Committee, the Rules and Regulation Review Committee, Chair of the Budget Estimate Committee, and others. He is currently a member of the 18^thTibetan Parliament-in-Exile from the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism.