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Tibetans Mourn Ngari Rinpoche, Dalai Lama's Brother, in Dharamshala

The Tibetan community in exile held condolence prayers for Tenzin Choegyal, known as Ngari Rinpoche, who passed away at age 80. He was the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama and a former president of the Tibetan Youth Congress. Thousands gathered at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala to commemorate his lifelong work for Tibetan religion, culture, and political aspirations. His cremation was held the day before the prayer service.

Key Points: Condolence Prayers for Dalai Lama's Brother, Ngari Rinpoche

  • Prayer service held in Dharamshala
  • Rinpoche was former Tibetan Youth Congress president
  • He was a Tibetan parliament member
  • Worked to preserve Tibetan culture
2 min read

Tibetans offer condolence prayers for Ngari Rinpoche, youngest brother of Dalai Lama

Tibetans in exile gather in Dharamshala for prayers honoring Tenzin Choegyal (Ngari Rinpoche), the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama.

"It's very unfortunate that we lost our beloved... His Holiness the Dalai Lama's youngest brother - Tsering Chomphel"

Dharamshala, February 20

The Tibetans in-exile held condolence prayers for Tenzin Choegyal, also known as Ngari Rinpoche, who passed away at the age of 80 in his residence in Dharamshala on February 17.

Choegyal was the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama and was cremated here yesterday.

Several thousand Tibetans gathered at the main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala to attend the prayer service on Friday. Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organised the prayer service today.

Choegyal has worked a lot for the preservation of Tibetan religion and culture and also for the political aspirations of the Tibetan people. He was born in Lhasa in 1946 and after China's invasion in Tibet in 1959, he accompanied the Dalai Lama into exile in India.

Tsering Chomphel, the President of Tibetan Youth Congress told ANI, "It's very unfortunate that we lost our beloved and His Holiness the Dalai Lama's youngest brother Tenzin Choegyal also known as Ngari Rinpoche, so we are holding this prayer service as on 17th of February he passed away at his residence in Dharamshala and his cremation was held yesterday. He was also the former president of Tibetan Youth Congress and former member of Tibetan parliament in-exile. We are holding this prayer to commemorate his work for the Tibetan community as he served the Tibetan community for a long time."

One of his brothers, Taktser Rinpoche had already passed away in United States and the second oldest brother of the Dalai Lama, Gyalo Thondud had also passed away at the age of 97 in West Bengal in February 2025.

The Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) has seven siblings and he is the fourth child in his family. Dalai Lama and his younger sister Jestun Pema are presently residing in Dharamshala.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A life of service. While I respect the sentiment, I sometimes wonder if our media gives disproportionate coverage to the Tibetan exile community compared to issues within our own borders. Just a thought.
A
Aman W
Om Shanti. Dharamshala has become a symbol of resilience. It's heartening to see the community come together like this. India's tradition of sheltering diverse spiritual paths continues.
S
Sarah B
Very sad news. His work for cultural preservation is truly admirable. The story of the Tibetan community in India is one of both tragedy and incredible strength.
V
Vikram M
80 years is a long life, especially one spent in service. His journey from Lhasa to Dharamshala mirrors the journey of many. May his legacy inspire the youth.
K
Karthik V
Condolences to the family and the community. It's important to remember the human aspect beyond the politics. A brother has passed away.

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