Dear Friend,
Today, on April 25th, we mark the 36th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima—recognized by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. Instead of celebrating with his community or receiving well-wishes, he remains disappeared, hidden by the Chinese government since 1995. For 29 years, he has been silenced—and with him, a vital spiritual lineage and revered leader of the Tibetan people.
HHDL holding the only known photo of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima
As we honor the Panchen Lama today, we are too aware of the spectre of repression that hangs oppressively over the Tibetan people. Many countries may count among their greatest fears armies, espionage, or economic collapse. For the Chinese Communist Party, it’s clear that one central fear continues to motivate their draconian actions: legitimate Tibetan leadership.
Click to watch an animated open letter to His Holiness the Panchen Lama
In just the past few weeks, Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche, a tireless cultural and spiritual leader from Golog, was killed in Chinese custody and had his body secretly incinerated in the middle of the night. This was an enormous loss for the Tibetan people and for all of Buddhist practitioners around the world.
Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche pictured giving a public teaching
We remember too Tenzin Delek Rinpoche from Lithang, whose unjust imprisonment and tragic murder in Chinese custody are haunting reminders of the risks faced by Tibetans who dare to lead with compassion and courage.
Protest in London for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche
Yet, while the rightful Panchen Lama remains forcibly disappeared, the Chinese government continues its attempt to rewrite Tibetan destiny. China is increasingly promoting a fake, state-appointed Panchen Lama. This is not only a spiritual affront—it’s part of a broader plan to control the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, erase Tibetan identity, and erode genuine Tibetan leadership inside Tibet.
Public teaching by Hungkar Rinpoche, attended by thousands of Tibetans at Lung-Ngon Monastery
At Students for a Free Tibet, we demand the immediate release of Gedun Choekyi Nyima and urge the world to see the connection between the CCP’s decades-long concerted effort to silence Tibetan leaders inside Tibet. We will continue fighting, until the day when His Holiness the Panchen Lama, and millions of Tibetans in Tibet see freedom.
In solidarity,
Pema Doma,
Executive Director