Gyalo Thondup, Influential Tibetan Advocate, Passes Away at 97

Gyalo Thondup, known for his geopolitical advocacy for Tibetan independence, dies at 97, celebrated by the Dalai Lama.

Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the Dalai Lama, has passed away at the age of 97, with his demise confirmed by the Dalai Lama's office. He died in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, as reported by Tibetan media. The Dalai Lama reflected on his brother's life, stating, “He was a good man who did his best for the Tibetan cause.” He expressed a hope for Gyalo’s rebirth as a Tibetan, enabling him to serve his people again, reflecting Buddhist beliefs on reincarnation.

Thondup was recognized as a significant figure in Tibetan politics, often regarded as the second most influential individual in the region, surpassed only by his younger sibling, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. While the Dalai Lama engaged internationally, advocating for Tibetan Buddhism, Thondup worked tirelessly behind the scenes, focusing on pragmatic routes to secure his brother's return to Tibet, where he had been in exile since 1959.

A member of a family of six raised in the village of Takster, Thondup was a proactive supporter of Tibetan independence. He pursued education abroad, distinguishing himself as the only sibling intended for a secular path, rather than religious life. Throughout his life, he maintained a close advisory relationship with the Dalai Lama, navigating complex geopolitical landscapes to foster international alliances for Tibet's cause.