Dalai Lama’s youngest brother passes away at 80 in Dharamsala

He is survived by the Dalai Lama, his elder sister Jetsun Pema and her family and by his wife Rinchen Khando Choegyal, along with their daughter Tenzin Choezom and son Tenzin Lodoe and their families.

Born in Lhasa in 1946, the Fire Dog year of the 16th Rabjung cycle, Ngari Rinpoche grew up in a family that would come to symbolise Tibet’s modern history. Recognised at the age of three as the reincarnation of the revered Ngari Rinpoche lineage associated with western Tibet, he assumed spiritual responsibilities early and underwent rigorous traditional Buddhist training.

Following China’s occupation of Tibet in 1959, he accompanied the Dalai Lama into exile in India, joining thousands of Tibetans who rebuilt their lives across the country. In India, he pursued formal education at St Joseph’s School in Darjeeling before continuing higher studies in the United States, blending monastic scholarship with modern academic exposure.

Over the decades, he played an active role in the Tibetan exile establishment, formally known as the Central Tibetan Administration. He served as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Religion and Culture, taught at Tibetan Children’s Village and worked as Personal Assistant to the Home Secretary. He later held the post of Special Assistant in the Private Office of the Dalai Lama.

Between 1974 and 1976, he led the Tibetan Youth Congress as its President, advocating for Tibet’s independence. He also represented Domey (Amdo) in the 11th Assembly of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

President Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration expressed deep sorrow, praising Ngari Rinpoche’s lifelong commitment to Tibet’s cause and his steadfast support for the Tibetan people’s aspirations.

His passing comes shortly after the death of another brother, Gyalo Thondup, who died at 97 in Kalimpong earlier this month.