Sikyong Penpa Tsering Attends the Grand Commemorative Ceremony of Gratitude Marking the 700th Birth Anniversary of the Lhodrak Drupchen Namkha GyaltsenDharamshala: The 700th birth anniversary of the revered Tibetan Buddhist master Lhodrak Drupchen Namkha Gyaltsen was commemorated at the auditorium of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) on 1 July 2026. The event was attended by the heads of the Central Tibetan Administration’s three pillars of democracy and autonomous bodies, including Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering, alongside eminent religious leaders, parliamentarians, and distinguished guests.Lhodrak Drupchen Namkha Gyaltsen was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master of the Nyingma and Kadampa traditions and is best remembered as one of the principal teachers of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The commemoration honoured his enduring spiritual legacy and profound contribution to the development of Tibetan Buddhism.The ceremony was also attended by Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi of the Department of Religion and Culture, members of the Standing Committee of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, as well as revered lamas and tulkus including Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche, Dagyab Tokden Rinpoche, Kyabje 11th Lelung Rinpoche Tenzin Phuntsok Loden, Trulshik Rinpoche Ngawang Tenzin Choekyi Lodo Rabsel and representatives from Mongolian Buddhist community.The programme commenced with the unveiling of a sacred portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, followed by an introduction to the event. Monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery then offered auspicious prayers, after which the Prayer to Lhodrak Drubchen composed by Je Tsongkhapa was recited.Kyabje 11th Lelung Rinpoche, who is the current lineage holder of Lhodrak Drupchen Namkha Gyaltsen, delivered the introductory address, followed by the reading of messages from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Rinpoche, Kyabgon Ganden Tripa, and Kyabgon Karmapa Rinpoche. This was followed by addresses from prominent Buddhist masters and scholars, including Kyabje Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, Mahapandita and former Kalon Kyabje Samdong Rinpoche, Gyuto Khenzur Kyabje Kagyurwa Tobden Rinpoche representing Drepung Tri Rinpoche, Secretary of the International Gelug Association Geshe Jangchub Sangye, and Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Rinpoche’s representative Dzongsar Khenchen Norbu Tsering Rinpoche.Special guests and participants were then presented with statues of Khenchen Namkha Gyaltsen, consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to commemorate the 700th birth anniversary of this great practitioner of Lhodrak.In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering echoed the Speaker’s remarks, stating that Tibet has produced countless eminent Buddhist masters and scholars whose immeasurable contributions have enriched humanity. He stressed that safeguarding and carrying forward their teachings is not solely the responsibility of monastic institutions but a shared duty of every practitioner.Referring to the Chinese government’s implementation of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, Sikyong strongly condemned the legislation, describing it as a grave threat to the fundamental rights of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities under Chinese rule. He recalled that during the final session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the Central Tibetan Administration adopted a resolution characterising the law as a comprehensive legal framework designed to accelerate the assimilation of Tibetans and other minority nationalities by systematically eroding their distinct language, culture, religion, and identity. He asserted that the legislation violates universal moral principles, China’s own legal commitments, and international law, urging the international community to pay closer attention to its far-reaching implications.Sikyong further stated that, emboldened by its growing political and military influence, China has increasingly enacted laws aimed at extending its authority beyond its borders. He said the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law seeks to transform long-standing assimilation policies into legally binding obligations by enforcing Mandarin-medium education while marginalising the languages, cultures, and identities of minority communities. He remarked that whereas the Chinese government had previously concealed many of its repressive policies, it is now pursuing them openly through legislation.Sikyong said the Central Tibetan Administration will continue intensifying its advocacy efforts by engaging the international community and raising awareness of the law, with particular attention to its Article 63, which he said enabled Chinese authorities to punish those deemed to have violated its provisions, including through acts of transnational repression. He warned that individuals opposing these policies could face severe penalties and emphasised that the consequences of the law extend beyond Tibet, making it a matter of global concern that demands wider international awareness.Calling for a united international response, Sikyong urged governments, policymakers, and the global community to oppose the legislation and press for its repeal through both public statements and official channels. He also appealed to think tanks and research institutions to examine the law closely and help raise global awareness of its implications.Furthermore, Sikyong underscored that Tibetans in exile have a vital responsibility to preserve the Tibetan language and culture by speaking, reading, and writing in Tibetan and by ensuring parents actively pass these traditions on to younger generations, freedoms that Tibetans inside Tibet are increasingly denied under the Chinese government’s repressive policies and surveillance.Concluding his address, Sikyong expressed his gratitude to the religious leaders and institutions for organising the commemorative programme and for their continued efforts to preserve and promote Tibet’s rich spiritual and scholarly heritage for future generations.