Dharamshala — Tibet Policy Institute of the Central Tibetan Administration has launched a new book entitled Expression in Exile: The Lives of Tibetan Refugees and the Struggle for Cultural Continuity, by Dr Lhamo Tso. This book is about Tibetan women in exile who have successfully engaged in political and religious activities, which were almost impossible in Tibet. All of this was made possible by the support and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The book launch is part of Tibet Policy Institute's programmes to commemorate the Ghoton celebration in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. It took place in TPI's hall at T-building, CTA, Gangkyi, Dharamshala, HP, India, on June 27, 2025. Chief guest Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari from the Department of Security (CTA), Dawa Tsering, Director of Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, Deputy Director of TPI, Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha and author Dr Lhamo Tso launched the book entitled Expression in Exile: The Lives of Tibetan Refugees and the Struggle for Cultural Continuity.
The book contain six chapters, which are "Adornment and Ancestry: The Hari Ornament in the Legacy of the Dalai Lama's Mother", Breaking Barriers:The Geshema Degree and the Dalai Lama's Vision for Gender Equality in Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism", "Diamond in the Dust: Tibetan Women's Role in Reimagining Exile and Empowerment", "Sacred Shelter: How Tibetan Refugees Use Buddhist Wisdom to Navigate Life in Exile in India", "Selling Sweater: Tibetan Refugee, Livelihood, and Survival in the Lhasa Market of Varanasi", "Experiences of Tibetan Refugees in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic".
Dawa Tsering, Director of the TPI, outlined the aims of publishing the book. "With a growing number of enthusiastic Tibetan scholars in our community who have so far published their work independently, the TPI recognises that these insightful contributions are important documents that deserve institutional support for wider dissemination.
Dr Lhamo Tso introduced a few chapters from her book, focusing on the the cultural and symbolic significance of the hari ornament—particularly the one once worn by the mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The conferment of the Geshema degree to nuns in exile by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Selling of sweater by Tibetan Refugees in India. Tibetan women in exile who have successfully engaged in political and religious activities, which were almost impossible in Tibet. All of this was made possible by the support and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Minister Dolma Gyari praised the book for highlighting the gradual transformation of Tibetan women's role in advocacy, leadership, politic and religion, attributing this to the inclusive vision and values of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
