Dharamshala: With profound sadness and a sense of great loss, the leadership and staff of Central Tibetan Administration gathered this afternoon at the Sikyong hall to mourn the demise of veteran interlocutor and one of the most towering modern Tibetan political figure, Kalon Trisur Gyalo Thondup, who is also the elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to remember his life-long contributions towards furthering the Tibetan struggle for freedom.
Gyalo Thondup, who passed away on 8 February 2025 around 17:40 at his residence Taktser house in Kalimpong at the age of 97, was born in 1928 in Taktser, Amdo, and was the second eldest brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He studied Standard Chinese and Chinese history in Nanjing, China, in his early days, during which, he met several influential Chinese leaders, including Chiang Kai-shek.
In 1949, amidst the Communist revolution in China, he left Nanjing and eventually relocated to Kalimpong, India, in 1952. He became a key figure in the Tibetan diaspora, dedicating his life to advocating for Tibet’s independence and self-determination. Thondup played an essential role in building early connections with the Indian and U.S. governments to rally support for Tibet’s cause. In 1957, he helped recruit Tibetan fighters who were trained in U.S. camps to strengthen the resistance against Chinese occupation. His coordination also resulted in the passing of three resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959, 1961, and 1965.
His diplomatic efforts were pivotal in bringing global attention to the Tibetan cause. He worked closely with the Indian government, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959. His outreach to U.S. officials also secured vital support for Tibet, and he played a major role in fostering ties between Tibetan leaders and American policymakers.
In 1979, he initiated direct talks with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, marking a shift toward dialogue from earlier resistance methods. This meeting laid the groundwork for subsequent negotiations between Tibetan envoys and Chinese leadership, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China conflict.
He served as Kalon Tripa (Chairman) of the 9th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in exile from August 1991 to January 1993 and as the Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Security during the 10th Kashag.
His steadfast dedication to the restoration of Tibetan freedom earned him widespread respect. He continued to champion Tibet’s rights and autonomy until his demise last Saturday.
On 9 February, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a memorial prayer at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe. His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over the prayer service and expressed, “It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of my elder brother, Gyalo Thondup. The primary purpose of the offerings made to the monks gathered here today for his memorial service is to honour his life and legacy. My brother worked with immense dedication and courage, and his determination was truly remarkable. Through these memorial offerings, we pray for his auspicious rebirth, specifically as a Tibetan, where he may continue to serve the cause of Tibet, as he so deeply desired. I too make this prayer on his behalf. His lifelong aspiration was to remain by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s side, serving him for many lifetimes. I kindly request everyone’s support in fulfilling this profound prayer.”
On that same day, Kalon Dolma Gyari of the Department of Security (CTA) paid respect to the late Kasur Gyalo Thondup in Kalimpong.
In his X platform, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel posted, “With a heavy heart, we mourn the demise of Gyalo Thondup, esteemed elder brother of @DalaiLama. His lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause & his remarkable contributions will be remembered with deep gratitude, inspiring our unwavering pursuit of justice & freedom for #Tibet.” Similarly, Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that we, CTA and the Tibetan people, mourn the passing of Gyalo Thondup la, the elder brother of @DalaiLama. A towering figure in Tibet’s history, he lived a meaningful life defined by his unparalleled contributions to the Tibetan cause. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May he attain a swift rebirth and continue his virtuous legacy.”
During the official prayer service held on 10 February, the officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra, Kalon of the Department of Education, stated, “As we embarked on our journey of exile in India following the illegal occupation of our homeland by the PRC, none of us possessed the understanding or resources necessary to sustain ourselves or our struggle in a foreign land. In the face of these formidable challenges, Kalon Trisur Gyalo Thondup devoted himself tirelessly, making significant efforts to garner support from international governments, including those of India and the United States.”
The prayer service was attended by all the staff and leadership of the CTA. In attendance were Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Kalon Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations, Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, and Tibetan Parliamentarians Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen and Atuk Tseten.
