By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 31: Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, former member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) known as Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies at the time, passed away on the evening of October 27 at the age of 93. Drawupon Rinchen Tsering’s health had been deteriorating in recent times, prompting his admission to Dehradun’s Max Hospital for medical care. He had been “resting” in Deckyiling Tibetan settlement at the time of his passing.
Drawupon Rinchen Tsering, born in Tibet in 1930, was a prominent figure in Tibetan history and one of the last surviving members of the inaugural Tibetan legislative body. He held a unique place in the annals of Tibetan democracy for his remarkable contributions to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE). His extensive political career spanned several terms and played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of Tibetan democratic governance.
He served in three consecutive terms, witnessing the TPiE’s inception and early evolution. These terms, held from 1960 to 1964, 1964 to 1966, and 1966 to 1969, respectively, saw the TPiE lay the foundation for the Tibetan democratic system in exile. Rinchen Tsering’s commitment to his political responsibilities and the welfare of the Tibetan people remained unwavering. This dedication led to his re-election in the sixth term, from 1976 to 1979, as the representative from Dhotoe province.
The passing of Drawupon Rinchen Tsering has elicited an outpouring of grief and heartfelt condolences from the Tibetan communities and politicians. The 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) issued a statement expressing its profound sorrow at the loss of a prominent figure. The statement also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to his family members, acknowledging the void left by his passing.
The 17th TPiE has announced its intention to pay tribute to Drawupon Rinchen Tsering during the next session of the parliament, scheduled to convene in March. This tribute will serve as a fitting acknowledgment of his exemplary service to the Tibetan people, and it will provide an opportunity for members of the TPiE to commemorate his contributions to the Tibetan movement.
In the wake of Drawupon Rinchen Tsering’s passing, many have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their admiration and gratitude for his life’s work. “Your actions leave a lasting legacy- inspiring Tibetans in Occupied Tibet and the Diaspora- especially in light of being someone who traversed to Tibet frequently, becoming a bridge between the two,” a user tweeted. Others reflected on his legacy as “a prominent Tibetan resistance leader”, a title that aptly encapsulates his lifelong commitment to the Tibetan cause.
