Dharamshala: The 85th birth anniversary of Kyabje Kalon Trisur Samdhong Rinpoche was celebrated on 5th November 2024, at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). The event was organized by the Lha Charitable Trust.

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile as the chief guest, LTWA Director Geshe Lhakdor as the guest of honor, and Former MP Sonam Gyaltsen as a special guest spoke at the event. The celebration expressed deep gratitude for Rinpoche’s lifelong service to Tibet.

The Deputy Speaker extended her heartfelt birthday greetings and prayers for the long life of former Kalon Tripa Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche. She praised the voluntary celebrations of Rinpoche’s birthday held by Tibetans worldwide, reflecting on his lifelong dedication to the cause of Tibet.

The Deputy Speaker also recalled her first connection with Rinpoche when the Bal Sabha (students’ assembly) was first introduced at the Central School for Tibetans in Dalhousie, where he served as principal. The Bal Sabha was later established at Pachmari School, where the Deputy Speaker was a student. She had the opportunity to participate in the assembly, which ignited her initial inspiration to serve the community and taught her the importance of taking on responsibilities beyond prescribed syllabus.

Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche later served as the principal of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Varanasi, where a public movement to encourage voluntary contributions to the Central Tibetan Administration began under his guidance by some of the institute’s teachers. This movement had a profound impact, influencing Tibetans worldwide and strengthening the recognition of the Central Tibetan Administration as the authentic representative of the Tibetan people.

Further discussing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s gift of democracy to the Tibetan people and his guidance in steering the Tibetan movement towards a non-violent approach, the Deputy Speaker emphasized Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche’s invaluable contributions to the grassroots functioning of Tibetan democracy.

This began with his role as a member of the Charter Drafting Committee in 1990, where he helped shape the foundational document. Rinpoche also played a key role in guiding the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) towards a rule-based government, on par with other democratic systems, during his tenure as Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for ten years.

Marking a historic milestone in Tibetan democracy, Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche was elected the first Kalon Tripa in 2001 with a high majority vote. His leadership was guided by a profound commitment to truth, non-violence, and a genuine democratic system.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted Rinpoche’s deep insights into the Middle Way Approach (MWA)-the official stance of the Central Tibetan Administration, introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and unanimously adopted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Rinpoche’s wisdom, as well as his practical and compassionate approach to handling criticism, were emphasized as key aspects of his leadership.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted Rinpoche’s invaluable contributions, including his role in the registration of the Central Tibetan Administration offices for their sustainability and his influence on the Tibetan Education Policy, among many others.

In closing, the Deputy Speaker encouraged attendees to embody Rinpoche’s teachings on kindness and non-violence in their daily lives as a tribute to his lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause. He also urged everyone to contribute individually to the common cause of Tibet.

The event also featured talks from experts on a wide range of topics.