Dharamshala — Former Minister Gyalo Thondup, the main figure of Sino-Tibetan dialogue and the second eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 97. Tibetans in Tibet and in exile expressed their deep grief over the passing away of Gyalo Thondup and organised prayers for him.
Gyalo Thondup, former Kalon Tripa (Chairman) of the 9th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the second eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 97 at his home in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India.
Gyalo Thondup, was born in 1928 in Taktser, Amdo, Tibet and was the second eldest brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He studied Standard Chinese and Chinese history in Nanjing, China, in his early days, during which, he met several influential Chinese leaders, including Chiang Kai-shek.
In 1949, amidst the Communist revolution in China, he left Nanjing and eventually relocated to Kalimpong, India, in 1952. He became a key figure in the Tibetan diaspora, dedicating his life to advocating for Tibet’s independence and self-determination.
Thondup played an essential role in building early connections with the Indian and U.S. governments to rally support for Tibet’s cause. In 1957, he helped recruit Tibetan fighters who were trained in U.S. camps to strengthen the resistance against Chinese occupation. His coordination also resulted in the passing of three resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959, 1961, and 1965.
His diplomatic efforts were pivotal in bringing global attention to the Tibetan cause. He worked closely with the Indian government, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959. His outreach to U.S. officials also secured vital support for Tibet, and he played a major role in fostering ties between Tibetan leaders and American policymakers.
In 1979, he initiated direct talks with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, marking a shift toward dialogue from earlier resistance methods. This meeting laid the groundwork for subsequent negotiations between Tibetan envoys and Chinese leadership, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China conflict.
He served as Kalon Tripa (Chairman) of the 9th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in exile from August 1991 to January 1993 and as the Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Security during the 10th Kashag. His steadfast dedication to the restoration of Tibetan freedom earned him widespread respect.
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a memorial prayer at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India, on February 9, 2025. His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over the prayer service and expressed, “It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of my elder brother, Gyalo Thondup. The primary purpose of the offerings made to the monks gathered here today for his memorial service is to honour his life and legacy."
"My brother worked with immense dedication and courage, and his determination was truly remarkable. Through these memorial offerings, we pray for his auspicious rebirth, specifically as a Tibetan, where he may continue to serve the cause of Tibet, as he so deeply desired. I too make this prayer on his behalf. His lifelong aspiration was to remain by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s side, serving him for many lifetimes. I kindly request everyone’s support in fulfilling this profound prayer," His Holiness said.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel posted on his X platform on February 8, 2025, "With a heavy heart, we mourn the demise of Gyalo Thondup, esteemed elder brother of the DalaiLama. His lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause and his remarkable contributions will be remembered with deep gratitude, inspiring our unwavering pursuit of justice and freedom for Tibet."
Similarly, Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrote his X platform on February 10, 2025, "It is with deep sorrow that we, CTA and the Tibetan people, mourn the passing of Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the DalaiLama. A towering figure in Tibet’s history, he lived a meaningful life defined by his unparalleled contributions to the Tibetan cause. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May he attain a swift rebirth and continue his virtuous legacy."
CTA held a prayer service for the demise of Kalon Trisur Gyalo Thondup on February 10, 2025 at Sikyong Hall, Gangkyi, Dharamshala, HP, India, which was attended by all the staff and leadership of CTA. A similar prayer service was held at Tsuklagkhang, Mcleod ganj, Dharamshala at 9 am to 10:30 am by Tibetans from around Dharamshala. Prayer services were also held in Tibetan monasteries and schools, Tibetan settlements in India, USA, Canada, European countries and in Tibet for the late Gyalo Thondup, who dedicated his life for the Tibetan cause.
