Dharamshala: On 23 July 2025, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, extended his warm congratulations to Kyabje Dagpo Rinpoche for being awarded France’s highest national distinction, the Légion d’Honneur.

In his congratulatory letter, Sikyong praised Rinpoche as the first Tibetan to receive this prestigious honour, emphasising how the award highlights both the Tibetan community’s pride and the continued relevance of Tibetan spiritual heritage in the modern world, as championed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Sikyong also acknowledged Rinpoche’s long-standing commitment to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, noting his distinguished academic career at INALCO. He specifically highlighted Rinpoche’s significant role in founding the Ganden Ling Institute, which has fostered a deep connection between Tibetan Buddhist culture and the Western world.

Furthermore, Sikyong conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Tibetan community for the Rinpoche’s unwavering support for the welfare of Tibetans in exile, particularly his dedication to the Old Age Home in Mundgod and other charitable initiatives over the years.

In closing, Sikyong expressed his hopes for Rinpoche’s teachings to continue guiding future generations toward wisdom and understanding, offering profound reverence for his remarkable contributions.