Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 5: The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) presented its 2025 Democracy Service Medal to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, whose enforced disappearance by Chinese authorities in 1995 remains one of the most enduring symbols of religious repression in Tibet.
The medal was accepted on his behalf by Zeekyab Rinpoche, the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the exile seat of the Panchen Lama in South India. In his acceptance remarks, Zeekyab Rinpoche reflected on the spiritual strength that sustains the Tibetan people despite decades of suppression.
“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 — no matter how powerful — can extinguish it,” he said.
The award recognized the Panchen Lama as a symbolic and moral figure for the cause of religious freedom and human dignity for Tibetans. NED described the medal as a tribute to “leadership defending democracy and human rights on behalf of Tibetans,” highlighting the Panchen Lama’s significance as both a spiritual heir and a victim of state persecution.
In a message released by his office, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his appreciation for NED’s recognition of the Panchen Lama, recalling the deep spiritual and historical connection between their two lineages. He noted that both Tibetans inside Tibet and those in exile had entrusted him with the responsibility of recognizing the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. Despite making “earnest efforts to work along with the Chinese government” during the search process, the Dalai Lama said the political situation in Tibet had made it difficult to ensure the child’s protection and well-being.
“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,” His Holiness wrote. “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.”
The Dalai Lama also recalled the 10th Panchen Lama’s courage in advocating for the welfare of Tibetans and preserving their cultural and religious heritage under harsh political circumstances, expressing hope that the young incarnation would one day continue that legacy.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in May 1995 as the 11th Panchen Lama. Three days after that recognition, he and his family were taken into custody by Chinese authorities and have not been seen since— an enforced disappearance that made him the world’s youngest political prisoner. Beijing subsequently installed another child, Gyaltsen Norbu, as its state-backed Panchen Lama, a move that is firmly rejected by the Tibetan exile community and widely criticized by international human rights organizations.
