Dalai Lama's youngest brother dies at 80

Dharamshala: The Dalai Lama's youngest brother Tenzin Choegyal passed away at his home in Dharamsala on Tuesday. He was 80 years old. Known popularly as Ngari Rinpoche, he served the Dalai Lama in various capacities and had even travelled with him to China in 1954-1955.Although recognised as the 16th reincarnation of Ngari Rinpoche, a revered lineage associated with western Tibet (Ngari), he stayed away from ritualistic practices and monastic protocols. Born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1946, he accompanied his brother to India in March 1959 and completed his formal education in India and the United States. Rinpoche began working at the Tibetan Children's Village, took up lay status, and eventually married Rinchen Khando Choegyal, who headed the Tibetan Women's Association. Thereafter, he served for many years in the office of the Dalai Lama as well as in the Tibetan department of security, and briefly also joined the Tibetan paramilitary force, Special Frontier Force. He was also involved with the Tibetan Youth Congress during its initial years, and was also elected to the Tibetan Parliament.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), CTA President Penpa Tsering expressed deep condolences, stating, "On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I express my deep sorrow on the passing of H.E. Ngari Rinpoche, the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a prominent spiritual figure. Throughout his life, Rinpoche devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of Tibet. He remained steadfast in his support of the Tibetan administration and bore the hardships and aspirations of the Tibetan people as his own. At this time of mourning, I express my sincere gratitude for Rinpoche's enduring legacy and extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers."