Dharamshala: Dhondul Dorjee, Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), attended the inauguration of the renovated congregation hall of Geden Choeling Nunnery Buddhist College, held in conjunction with the nunnery’s convocation ceremony on 15 April 2026.

The event was graced by Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche as the chief guest, alongside Yangten Rinpoche, Secretary of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Youdon Aukatsang, Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project and a member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

At 10 a.m., Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche consecrated the congregation hall, following which attendees gathered for the convocation ceremony. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of a butter lamp by the chief guest, followed by prayers led by the chant master. The Abbot of Geden Choeling Nunnery, Geshe Lharampa Thupten Tsephel, then presented a report on the successful completion of the congregation hall’s expansion project.

During the ceremony, Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche presented certificates to graduates of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) class, while Yangten Rinpoche awarded certificates to Paramita class graduates. Secretary Dhondul Dorjee presented certificates to students who completed the literature class. Director Youdon Aukatsang awarded prizes to students who topped their respective classes in 2025.

The Abbot also honoured two nuns who participated in the Great Treatise memorisation examination of the International Gelug Foundation, held as part of the Ghoton Celebration, in recognition of their academic excellence.

Yangten Rinpoche further presented tokens of appreciation to Geshe Lharampa Jampa Wanglu, chief supervisor of the congregation hall’s expansion project, as well as former treasurers of the nunnery, Venerable Tenzin Choekyi and Venerable Choesang Dolma, for their dedicated contributions. This was followed by Kyabje Ling Choktrul Rinpoche presenting recognition awards to senior nuns who had completed eight years of service at Geden Choeling Nunnery.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the nunnery’s disciplinarian, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, the nunnery administration, and the nuns.