The 32nd birth anniversary of Gedhun Choeyki Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama was celebrated on April 25 at Sherab Skitsal Ling Library, Thiksay Monastery.

Thupstan Chhewang, President, Ladakh Buddhist Association was the chief guest. Advocate Tashi Gyalson, CEC, Hill Council, Leh; LGA President, Venerable Shedup Chamba; CRO Tsetan Angchok and Lower Leh Councillor Tsering Namgyal were also present. 

The celebration was organised by the Tashi Lhunpo monastery. The celebration began with prayers, offering of Mandala and lighting of holy lamp and cake cutting ceremony. 

Kachen Lobzang Tsultim, Lopon Naris Chakzot briefed biography of 11th Panchen Lama. He said, “Gedhun Choeyki Nyima was born on 25th April 1989 in Lhari, Tibet, and was recognized and announced as the 11th Panchen Lama by the 14th Dalai Lama on 14th May 1995. Three days later on 17th May 1995, the 6 years old Panchen Lama was kidnapped by the Chinese Government, installing another boy in his place. Gedhun Choeyki Nyima remains forcibly detained by the Chinese Government, along with his family, in an undisclosed location since 1995. He was for years considered the world’s youngest political prisoner. His Khenpo, Chadrel Rinpoche, and another Gelugpa monk, Jampa Chungla were also arrested”. 

He further added that the United Nations, with the support of numerous States, organizations, and private individuals continue to call for the 11th Panchen Lama’s release.    

Thupstan Chhewang said that the kidnapped of Panchen Lama by the Chinese is not only a huge loss for Buddhists but is also a loss to the entire humanitarian organization in the world and no one knows about his whereas about. He added that in recent times even America also start questioning China about Panchen Lama.

He also assured to celebrate Panchen Lama’s birthday in Ladakh annually from next year.
CEC, Hill Council, Leh said that the United Nations Convention to find out Panchen Lama is a ray of hope for Buddhist followers to see him in near future.

CRO Tsetan Angchok, LGA President venerable Shatup Chamba, and Dr.Lobzang Tsewang also spoke on the occasion.