Leh, Ladakh — On the occasion of his birthday celebration, Thiksay Rinpoche presented the Thiksey Medal to Tenzin Taklha, Secretary of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in recognition of his wisdom and compassion, as well as his lifelong contribution to the Tibetan community in exile and to the noble vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Thiksey Monastery celebrated the 84th birthday of 9th Thiksey Rinpoche Shartul Jetsun Nawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, in Thiksey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh, UT, India, on May 20, 2026. During the celebration, Thiksay Rinpoche presented to Thiksey Medal to Tenzin Taklha, Secretary of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in recognition of his wisdom and compassion. Tsering Dolkar, Tenzin Taklha's wife, accepted the medal on behalf of Tenzin Taklha.
The medal given to individuals to recognize their outstanding contributions in service to the Dharma, the Tibetan community, and the wider Himalayan world. The first recipient of the award was His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2016 and second is the Tenzin Taklha in 2026.
Thiksey Rinpoche wrote," It gives me great pleasure to convey my sincere appreciation for the invaluable contributions you have made over many years to the Tibetan community in exile and to the noble vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama."
"Those who serve quietly behind the scenes often remain unrecognised, yet their dedication forms the foundation upon which many important efforts stand. Throughout your long years of service, you have consistently carried out your responsibilities with integrity, discretion, and wisdom, navigating the delicate responsibilities of political sensitivity, diplomatic engagement, and human understanding, while steadfastly upholding the cause of His Holiness and the aspirations of the Tibetan people in exile," Rinpoche added.
Thiksey Rinpoche said, "such service is neither simple nor ordinary. The unwavering commitment with which you have fulfilled these responsibilities for more than three decades is deeply commendable. Your efforts have played an important role in sustaining the continuity, dignity, and global resonance of the values and message associated with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama."
"On the occasion of my 84th birthday on May 20, 2026, I have decided to institute a small award at Thiksey Monastery to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions in service to the Dharma, the Tibetan community, and the wider Himalayan world," the Rinpche explained.
Tenzin Taklha appointed Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama while continuing as Chief of Security, on March 7, 2014. In these roles, he oversees the overall organisation of all of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's activities, security arrangements, including aspects of healthcare and daily routine.
Tenzin Taklha regards serving His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the central purpose of his life. His family fully supports this commitment, recognising both its importance and its demands.
Tenzin Taklha's daily routine begins early. He assists His Holiness with physical exercise, particularly following medical treatment, helping maintain strength and mobility. He also manages a demanding schedule of audiences, correspondence, and international visitors. He also has accompanied him on countless international journeys and notes His Holiness' extraordinary ability to adapt and remain energetic.
Through decades of close service, Tenzin Taklha reflects that his own character has changed. He has become calmer and more patient, a transformation also noted by his family. When asked about his spiritual practice, he answers simply: "My practice is serving His Holiness the Dalai Lama."
He emphasises the importance of Tibetan unity, echoing the guidance of His Holiness. He believes that maintaining solidarity among Tibetans in exile is essential, especially in the face of ongoing challenges to Tibetan identity and culture.
Tenzin Taklha's life is defined by service - service to his family, to the Tibetan people, and above all to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. From a childhood shaped by exile to a position of great responsibility, his journey reflects dedication, resilience, and quiet devotion. He remains committed to continuing this service for as long as it is of benefit.
Tenzin Taklha, born Tenzin Namdhak in 1965 in Calcutta, India, came into the world during a time of profound upheaval for Tibetans following the departure of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama from Tibet. He is the son of Lobsang Samden, the elder brother of His Holiness, and Namgyal Lhamo, of the distinguished Tsarong family. His parents were married in 1962 under the guidance of the Great Mother (Gyalyum Chenmo), during a period of great hardship for the Tibetan community in exile.
