Dharamshala: In recognition of her lifelong and transformative contribution to Tibetan education and child welfare, Kasur (former Minister) Jetsun Pema was conferred with the prestigious Christmas Humphreys Award by The Buddhist Society, UK, on the morning of 7 October 2026. The award was presented at a formal ceremony held at Hermann Gmeiner Hall, Upper TCV, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Among the gathering were Chief Justice of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Yeshi Wangmo, along Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering; Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) and Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel; Kalon Kunga Tashi of the Department of Security, Kalon Tsering Dhondup Gyangser of the Department of Finance, Kalon Pema Tso of the Department of Health; and Secretary Lobsang Jinpa of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Also present were members of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, secretaries and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, representatives of local government and non-government organisations, TCV President Sonam Sichoe, as well as administrators, staff and school students.
The school’s Ngoenpa Group presented a traditional ceremonial performance, followed by a welcome address by TCV President Sonam Sichoe, who highlighted the significance of the occasion for the Tibetan community and paid tribute to Kasur Jetsun Pema’s decades of dedicated service to TCV and her lifelong commitment to the welfare of Tibetan children in exile. He particularly acknowledged her contributions to the holistic development of children, including their academic, emotional, and social wellbeing, while nurturing a sense of love, dignity, and compassion.
Representing the voice of the student, two students share brief account of extraordinary life and legacy of Ama Jetsun Pema, presented in English and Tibetan.
As the award was presented, a group of students from the Junior Section performed a special tribute song in honour of Kasur Jetsun Pema. At the same time, representatives from various TCV schools came forward to offer traditional Tibetan khatas (scarf), joined by the school’s faculty and staff, in recognition of her lifelong dedication and service to Tibetan education and the welfare of Tibetan children.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Desmond Biddulph CBE, President of The Buddhist Society, UK, spoke about the historical origins of the Christmas Humphreys Award and the significance of his presence in Dharamshala to present the honour to Kasur Jetsun Pema. He also highlighted the history and contribution of The Buddhist Society in the United Kingdom, founded by Christmas Humphreys in 1924, and its longstanding commitment to promoting the study and understanding of Buddhism.
Following that, Chief Guest Kasur Jetsun Pema delivered her speech on the occasion, expressing her gratitude to The Buddhist Society, UK, for conferring the prestigious Christmas Humphreys Award in recognition of her lifelong commitment to Tibetan education and child welfare. She reflected on her decades of work in the field of education and her enduring dedication to the welfare and development of Tibetan children.
Kasur Jetsun Pema also spoke about the importance of education in shaping the future of Tibetan children and preserving their cultural and linguistic heritage. She expressed her appreciation to the teachers, staff, students, and supporters who have contributed to the development of Tibetan education over the years, and acknowledged the continued support of institutions and individuals committed to the wellbeing and education of Tibetan children.
Distinguished Guest of Honour, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, addressed the gathering, followed by Guest of Honour Kalon Kunga Tashi of the Department of Security, representing the Kashag delivered its address. In his remarks, Kalon Kunga Tashi highlighted the longstanding service and contributions of Kasur Jetsun Pema to the Tibetan people, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Kalon Kunga Tashi recalled Kasur Jetsun Pema has been formally honoured as the “Mother of Tibet” by the CTA and the TPiE, following a parliamentary resolution passed in 1991. He noted that the title reflects the deep respect and affection she has earned from the Tibetan community for her decades of dedicated service, particularly her tireless efforts for the welfare, education, and upbringing of Tibetan children in exile.
He further praised Kasur Jetsun Pema’s lifelong dedication to strengthening the foundations of Tibetan education and healthcare, noting that her contributions have extended beyond the Tibetan community and earned recognition and respect among wider communities internationally. Kalon Kunga Tashi described the occasion as a significant and proud day for Tibetans, noting that the presentation of the prestigious Christmas Humphreys Award to Kasur Jetsun Pema serves as an important recognition of her extraordinary contribution and lifelong service.
Before concluding his address, Kalon Kunga Tashi expressed his appreciation to The Buddhist Society, UK, for recognising Kasur Jetsun Pema’s lifelong service and honouring a distinguished Tibetan figure whose dedication and contributions continue to inspire generations of Tibetans.
The programme featured heartfelt tributes from student representatives, a commemorative performance of the musical piece ‘Ama Jetsun Pema’, and cultural performances by the TCV Cultural Troupe, paying tribute to Kasur Jetsun Pema’s lifelong service and contributions to Tibetan education and child welfare.
The ceremony concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Principal Tenzin Choekyi, who expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests, The Buddhist Society, UK, and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the commemorative event.
Kasur Jetsun Pema, younger sister of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, was born in Lhasa on 7 July 1940. She came to India in 1950 and later pursued her education in India, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom before returning to India in 1964. At the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, she took charge of the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Dharamshala in 1964 and went on to lead the institution for more than four decades, dedicating her life to the education, welfare, and holistic development of Tibetan children in exile.
In 1990, Kasur Jetsun Pema became the first Tibetan woman to serve as a Kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration and was subsequently entrusted with the Department of Education. In recognition of her decades of service to Tibetan children, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile conferred upon her the title “Mother of Tibet”. Her distinguished service has also received international recognition, including the UNESCO Medal in 1999, the World’s Children’s Honorary Award in 2000 and 2006, the Human Rights Hero Award in 2010, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of San Francisco in 2012, and India’s Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2018.
