Last surviving independent Tibet official dies at 102

On January 12, a prayer ceremony was conducted in the Kashag Secretariat in this city to commemorate his death, which was attended by CTA President Penpa Tsering, among others.

"We have met here today to mourn the loss of Kungo Gyaltsen Choden la, who was likely the last living government official of an independent Tibet before 1959," Tsering remarked in his eulogy for the deceased.

From an early age, he worked for the Tibetan government. He stated that after going into exile, he spent the rest of his life working for the exile government in various roles.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family members, since he was one of Tibet's longest-serving public workers. We feel he has lived a life of true significance, serving the Tibetan people and carrying out His Holiness the Dalai Lama's wishes."

Choden was born in Medo Gongkar, near Lhasa, in 1920, according to the CTA. He was the third of Jangchup Phuntsok's four children, born to Kelsang Dolma and Jangchup Phuntsok. He began his education in 1930.

He entered Tashi Lhunpo monastery in 1935 to study Buddhist philosophy and theology. He was hired as an accountant in 1946. In 1959, he went into exile and retired from active duty in 1992.

Also read: Tragedy of Tibet: How China Has Planned to Destroy

Since departing Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama has been residing in India. The government-in-exile is situated in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh's northern hill town.

(IANS/PR)

(Keywords: Kungo Gyaltsen Choden la, CTA President Penpa Tsering, Medo Gongkar, Lhasa,Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh)