Mundgod, Karnataka: On 26 January 2026, the Convocation Ceremony for the conferment of the Geshe Lharampa degree was held at the Drepung Gomang debate ground of Drepung Gomang Monastic College. Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture (CTA), Dhondul Dorjee, attended the ceremony on behalf of the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture, Sikyong Penpa Tsering.

At 7:00 a.m., the Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, along with abbots of various Gelug monasteries, formally invited Jamgön Gyelwey Gyeltshab Gaden Trichen Dorje Chang Jetsun Lobsang Dorje Palzangpo to the ceremony with traditional incense offerings and ceremonial scarves.

Following the serving of tea and rice to the guests and the assembled gathering, the Exam Administrator of the Gelugpa University presented a brief overview of the university’s history, its current status, and the significance of the certificates being awarded.

Subsequently, the 105th Gaden Tri Rinpoche awarded certificates to the Geshe Lharampa graduates of the 2024 and 2025 batches. Secretary Dhondul Dorjee then delivered a speech, stating that despite the Chinese government’s ill efforts since 1959 to destroy Tibetan religion and culture, which form the core of Tibetan identity, these attempts have failed. He said this strength comes from the kindness of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the presence of strong monasteries of all traditions in exile, His Holiness’ non-sectarian approach, and the contributions of great masters in earlier generations.

On behalf of the Department of Religion and Culture, the Secretary congratulated all 411 Geshe Lharampa graduates of the Gelugpa University. He noted that the monks had completed more than 20 years of study at major monastic universities, followed by an additional six years under the Gelug curriculum, amounting to nearly 30 years of rigorous education. He advised the graduates to take good care of their health while dedicating themselves to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan religion and culture, which remains at a critical stage. He also briefed the gathering on the ongoing programmes and initiatives of the Department of Religion and Culture.

After an address by Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Ngawang Jorden Pal Zangpo, the 105th Gaden Trichen Dorje Chang bestowed blessings and further teachings.

At 9:00 a.m., the abbots of the Gelug monasteries received His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the venue with incense offerings and ceremonial scarves. His Holiness posed for a group photograph with the Geshe Lharampa graduates, met with the graduates and institute directors, and the ceremony concluded thereafter.

Earlier, on 25 January 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the Secretary paid his respects to the renowned Gelugpa spiritual teacher Geshe Palden Drakpa.