Dharamshala —The Tibet Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary on Wednesday with the inauguration of a temporary exhibition, "Women of Tibet." They paid tribute to the courageous Tibetan women who have contributed to Tibet's freedom struggle, education, religion, culture, and society since the Chinese occupation of the country in 1959.
The Tibet Museum commemorated its 25th anniversary on April 30, 2025, by inaugurating a temporary exhibition, entitled "Women of Tibet." A commemoration was held in honor of the intrepid Tibetan women who have played a pivotal role in the struggle a Free Tibet, the advancement of education, the preservation of religious and cultural traditions, and the development of Tibetan community.
The ceremony was held at the Tibet Museum, Gankyi, Dharamshala on April 30, 2025 and Kasur (former Kalon) Rinchen Khandro Choegyal as the chief guest, inaugurated the exhibition. Secretary Karma Choeying and Additional Secretary Namgyal Tsewang of the Information and International Relations Department of the Central Tibetan Administration. Representatives of several Tibetan NGOs, including Tibetan Women's Association attended the ceremony.
Tenzin Topden, Director of the Tibet Museum, introduced the exhibition to the chief guest. They featured 49 Tibetan women martyrs in the exhibition, including women who fought against the Chinese army's invasion of Tibet and those who set themselves on fire in protest against the Chinese government's oppressive policies in Tibet. There were also Tibetans in exile who contributed to the Tibetan freedom struggle, education, religion, culture and civil society.
The featured women are: Dekyi Tsering, great mother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gurteng Kunsang, who led the Tibetan Women's Uprising against CCP in Lhasa, 1959. Ani Trinley Chodron, who protested against CCP in 1969, in Lhasa. Ani Pachen Dolma, who protested against so-called Chinese liberal army in 1957 in Gojo and 1987 in Lhasa. Ama Adhe, who fought against Chinese liberal army in 1956 when they invading their home in Nyarong. Dorjee Youdon Gyari, who fought Chinese Liberal army in 1956, when they invading their home in Nyarong. Ama Tsering Dolma, elder sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and founder of Tibetan Children's Village School, home thousands of children from Tibet. Ama Rinchen Dolma Taring, head of the Mussorie Home. Tsering Dolma Tsarong, who found the Tibetan Government Civil Service School. Chungdak Koren, founder Voice of Tibet and Representative at the office of Tibet, Switzerland. Khandro Tsering Chodron, a yogoni and an exemplar of pure Dhama practice in modern Tibetan history. Dr Lobsang Doma, a pioneering figure in Tibetan Medicine. Shuksep Jetsunma, a revered yogini in modern Tibetan history. Jetsun Khachod Wangmo, and Ama Dachung, an Tibetan lhamo perfomer.
These are the courageous Tibetan women who self immolated to protest the Chinese government's repressive policies in Tibet and demand the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a free Tibet. Rikyo, Tenzin Dolma, Tamdin Tso,Tenzin Wangmo, Sangye Tso, Yeshi Khando, Tenzin Choedron, Sangay Dolma, Kunchok Wangmo, Kalkyi,Tsephel, Changmo Kyi, Benchen Kyi, Dolkar Tso, Tsering Kyi, Wangchen Dolma, Chuk Tso (Juhtso), Rinchen, Palden Choetso, Norchuk, Atse, Shurma and Tashi Kyi.
In January 1960, Noyon Dewang of Shigatse, Tashi Yangzom of Denyen Tsang, Dolma of Sertoe Lhoma, Gawa Youdon, Choezom of Pagri Lochi, Dekyi of Jara Sidpa, and others united to establish the Tibetan Women's Association of Kalimpong and Darjeeling, based in Kalimpong.
The following month, in February 1960, Noyon Dewang-alongside Dadron, daughter of Drikung Nyemo, and Dechen Tsomo, daughter of Khangmar Eshu-courageously delayed the train carrying Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai to India by 45 minutes, a bold and symbolic act of resistance against the occupying regime.
Then they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Tibet Museum by cutting a cake. They also held a conference on the Women of Tibet. First they unveiled a book on the map of Tibet, “Mapping Tibet”, Then Tenzin Topden spoke about the importance of the exhibition. He said it was not just a moment to honor these courageous Tibetan women, but also to learn about their struggle for a free Tibet and their sacrifice for Tibet and its people since the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Secretary Karma Choeying addressed the gathering and said, “Countless women throughout Tibet's long history have made significant contributions to the well-being and progress of Tibetan society. To honor these contributions, the Tibet Museum has organized this exhibition to highlight the achievements of Tibetan women.”
Keynote speaker Kasur Rinchen Khandro Choegyal then addressed the audience, saying: “When I look at these courageous Tibetan women, who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause, its people, religion and culture. As a woman, I am proud of them."
"I never forget that I am Tibetan and that I know the current situation in Tibet. As a Tibetan woman, I always think about where I set foot (in exile). When I see young Tibetans, who are educated and doing a great service for Tibet, rise to international stages and even become members of parliament, I feel proud of them and feel they are my own children," she added.
Kasur Rinchen Khandro said, "As I look back at my life, I feel content knowing I have served our community and our cause. My efforts have not been in vain."
“I believe that, we all live in politics, we are here in exile because of politics, and this is life. Therefore, we must never forget the Tibetan cause. We must always remember our Tibetan martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for Tibet. Remembering them and understanding the sacrifices they made is not enough. We must continue to pursue our goals and strive for a free Tibet,” Kasur Rinchen Khandro concluded.
