Dharamshala: The Tibetan Writers Abroad P.E.N Centre honored Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche with a literary award as the centre celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS) on August 24, 2024. The event was honored by the presence of chief guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering and special guests Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang. The literary award was presented to Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche in recognition of his contributions. The event also featured a scholarly discussion focused on Rinpoche’s impactful work.

Greeting the guests and attendees at the event, the Deputy Speaker applauded the center’s honoring of Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche with a literary award. The Deputy Speaker recalled Rinpoche’s significant accomplishments and contributions to Tibetan culture, literature, and religion during his time in a free Tibet, throughout the period of Chinese occupation, and during his subsequent exile in India. These reflections are also highlighted in the foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Rinpoche’s biography, Three Lives in One Lifetime.

The Deputy Speaker further emphasized the importance of preserving Tibetan literature in exile, drawing on her own experience of studying at a Tibetan school. She highlighted the crucial role that individuals play in safeguarding and protecting Tibetan heritage, especially in the need of encouraging children to form literary clubs to read Tibetan books and write Tibetan literatures.

Highlighting the significance of writers in raising awareness and driving positive change, she underscored their vital role in the community, particularly in the context of China’s efforts to Sinicize Tibetan language, culture, and religion. She provided examples such as the recent closure of Rabgya Gangjong Norbuling and the forcible enrollment of Tibetan children into colonial boarding schools.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker greeted all guests and attendees and expressed his happiness at being part of the silver jubilee celebration. He highlighted the Tibetan Writers’ Association’s valuable contributions to literature over the past 25 years, particularly in raising awareness about the imprisonment of Tibetan writer Go Sherab Gyatso by the Chinese government.

The Speaker acknowledged Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche’s invaluable contributions and accomplishments in preserving the distinct Tibetan language, literature, and culture throughout his life. He praised the Tibetan Writers Abroad P.E.N Centre for honoring Rinpoche with a well-deserved literary award. The Speaker also noted how Rinpoche served as a bridge between Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, working tirelessly to safeguard rich Tibetan literature. The Speaker concluded by extending gratitude to the Rinpoche for his eminent contribution to the Tibetan community.