11th Panchen Lama Honoured with Democracy Service Medal Amid 30 Years of Enforced Disappearance

6 months ago

In a poignant moment that underscored both faith and resilience, His Serenity the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gendhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo—formally known as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima—was posthumously honoured with the Democracy Service Medal by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) this year. The award, received on his behalf by Zeekyab Rinpoche, Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in exile, marked the 30th year since his forcible disappearance by Chinese authorities in 1995.

This recognition affirms the Tibetan people’s right to freely choose their spiritual leaders, without political interference, and draws r...

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