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 occasion of conferring this prestigious award upon the 11th Panchen Lama, His Holiness expressed his sincere pleasure over this recognition. His Holiness wrote, “As I had mentioned when I announced his recognition in 1995, the Tibetan people, both in Tibet and in exile, including the leadership of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, placed their hope in me to recognise the Panchen Lama’s reincarnation. Thus, when it was time to search for the reincarnation, given the political reality of Tibet, I made earnest efforts to work along with the Chinese government.”
Given the special personal relationship between the 9th Panchen Lama and His Holiness himself, as well as the possible role the 11th Panchen Lama could play in continuing the legacies of His Serenity the 10th Panchen Lama, His Holiness recalled, “He [the 10th Panchen Lama] had a very difficult life, but took every opportunity to promote the welfare of the Tibetans in Tibet, including in the preservation of their religion, culture and identity. I had mentioned in 1995 that efforts must be made to ensure that the young incarnation has a long and successful life.”
However, His Holiness expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Unfortunately, for no fault of his, he has not been able to enjoy the growth and development of a normal person, whether growing up as a child or even now. However, I believe in the power of truth and in the long run it is truth that prevails. Therefore, I remain hopeful that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima will be able to live a life of dignity and in freedom.”
During the award ceremony, Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche remarked, “As people around the world understand, faith is the domain of the sacred. It is foundational to freedom. It cannot be imposed or controlled by a political power. …When people find meaning, dignity, and unbreakable resolve in their beliefs, no prison, no army, and no regime can extinguish it.”
The ceremony was hosted by NED President Damon Wilson and was also attended by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the recipient of the 2024 Democracy Service Medal, and Representative Namgyal Choedup of the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C.
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is an independent, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Since its founding in 1983, the Endowment has remained at the forefront of democratic struggles everywhere, evolving into a multifaceted institution that serves as a hub of activity, resources, and intellectual exchange for activists, practitioners, and scholars of democracy worldwide.
