Dalai Lama's Younger Brother Tenzin Choegyal, Revered as Ngari Rinpoche, Dies at 80 in Dharamshala
Tenzin Choegyal, the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama, passed away at his residence in Dharamshala on Tuesday. He was 80 years old. Widely known as Ngari Rinpoche, he had served the Dalai Lama in numerous capacities throughout his life and accompanied him on a significant journey to China during 1954-1955.
A Life of Service and Spiritual Leadership
Although recognized as the 16th reincarnation of Ngari Rinpoche, a highly respected lineage from western Tibet (Ngari), he maintained a distance from traditional ritualistic practices and monastic protocols. Born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1946, he followed his brother to India in March 1959 after the Tibetan uprising.
He completed his formal education in India and the United States, laying the foundation for a diverse career dedicated to the Tibetan cause. His professional journey included:
- Working at the Tibetan Children's Village
- Taking up lay status and marrying Rinchen Khando Choegyal, who led the Tibetan Women's Association
- Serving for many years in the office of the Dalai Lama
- Working in the Tibetan department of security
- Briefly joining the Tibetan paramilitary force, Special Frontier Force
Political and Community Engagement
Beyond his administrative roles, Tenzin Choegyal was actively involved in Tibetan political and youth movements. He participated in the Tibetan Youth Congress during its formative years and was elected to the Tibetan Parliament, demonstrating his commitment to the Tibetan struggle for autonomy and cultural preservation.
Tributes and Condolences
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), CTA President Penpa Tsering expressed profound sorrow on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people. He stated, "On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I express my deep sorrow on the passing of H.E. Ngari Rinpoche, the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a prominent spiritual figure. Throughout his life, Rinpoche devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of Tibet. He remained steadfast in his support of the Tibetan administration and bore the hardships and aspirations of the Tibetan people as his own. At this time of mourning, I express my sincere gratitude for Rinpoche's enduring legacy and extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers."
The passing of Tenzin Choegyal marks the loss of a key figure in the Tibetan diaspora, remembered for his unwavering dedication to spiritual leadership and the political aspirations of the Tibetan community.
