National Endowment for Democracy Awards 2025 Democracy Service Medal to the 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima

6 months ago

Dharamshala: This year, His Serenity the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gendhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo (the formal name of Gedun Choekyi Nyima), was honoured with the Democracy Service Medal, even as he remains forcibly disappeared. The award was received on behalf of the 11th Panchen Lama by Zeekyab Rinpoche, Abbot of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in exile. This recognition affirms the Tibetan people’s right to choose their spiritual leaders free from external interference, highlights the PRC’s ongoing violations of human rights and religious freedom, and solemnly marks 30 years since the forced abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama.

In a special message written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasi...

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