Dharamshala — The Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary in Dharamshala and the centre presented a literary award to Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche for writing over 140 books, particularly in the field of literature, his books having an influence both in Tibet and in exile, his books having been banned by the Chinese government in Tibet.
Members of The Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS) on August 24, 2024. Sikyong Penpa Tsering of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was the chief guest and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was the special guest. Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and secretaries of CTA, Director Dawa Tsering of Tibet Policy Institute, professors, teachers, monks and students of the CHTS also took part in the event.
Dr Sonam Gyaltsen, current President of The Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN Centre and former Tibetan parliamentarian, gave a welcome speech highlighting the importance of this 25th anniversary of the The Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN Centre. In his speech, Mr Sonam underlined the importance of the centre, which has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Tibetan literary traditions over the past 25 years. He also expressed his deep gratitude to Kyabje Kriti Rinpoche for his lifelong contribution to Tibetan language, literature and the Tibetan cause.
Lutso Kyi, a researcher at the Norbulingka Institute, gave a brief presentation on the life of Kyabje Kriti Rinpoche, acknowledging his profound contribution to the preservation of the Tibetan language. Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel then presented the Literary Award to Kyabje Kriti Rinpoche for his lifelong dedication to promoting the Tibetan language by writing numerous books.
Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang delivered a speech at the event. She said, "We have been living in exile for more than 60 years, spanning multiple generations, and I, too, am a product of this exile. Although I learned the Tibetan language, I regret not having made greater efforts to preserve Tibetan linguistics through writing and other means. We must think about future generations and the importance of preserving Tibetan linguistics. This preservation should be nurtured from kindergarten through advanced education, using methods that sustain and enrich our Tibetan linguistic heritage."
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, delivered a speech about the 25th anniversary of PEN Tibetan Writers Abroad and greeted all the audience members present. TPiE Speaker Khenpo said, "I wanted to thank all the people, scholars, and writers who contribute to the safety and promotion of Tibetan linguistics. This generation, it is high time for all the Tibetans to unite and become aware of our linguistic and Tibetan culture. Through events like this, we can promote our Tibetan linguistics together, and we need more events like this in the future. While we are in exile, we can propagate and promote our language, but some Tibetan writers in Tibet have been jailed while safeguarding and promoting the Tibetan language, like Go Sherab Gyatso, who has written numerous books and articles on Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan literature and other famous books and was later imprisoned in a Chinese jail. He has been through multiple hardships and torture. This incident can happen to anyone, and these days, we know what is happening inside Tibet quickly. Being in exile, we have to stand together and unite to promote awareness and organise events like today."
Sikyong Penpa Tsering gave a speech at the event, Sikyong said, "Rinpoche’s contributions are essential in supporting the preservation of Tibetan culture and addressing broader Tibetan issues. The work of individuals like Kyabje Kriti Rinpoche is vital in maintaining our linguistic heritage, especially during these challenging times. His dedication serves as an inspiration to all of us."
Kyabje Kriti Rinpoche said,"I was born as a spiritual lama and had responsibilities that come with that role. Through my books, I aim to help and guide others on various subjects. As a Tibetan Buddhist and follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I also feel a duty to contribute to the welfare of Tibetans. Some of my books address the roles and responsibilities of being a Tibetan, which I believe are important for our community."
Rinpoche said: "My many books were printed in Tibet in the early years, but later the Chinese government arrested the monks and people who were responsible for these books; people were imprisoned by the Chinese authorities simply for having photos and books of these books. Later, the Chinese government banned all my books in Tibet, forbidding their printing and distribution, and even confiscated the funds intended for printing in Tibet."
Rinpoche also underlined the Chinese government's intention to eliminate Tibetan religion, culture and language by shutting down Tibetan educational and religious institutions and banning the printing of Tibetan books.
