Dharamsala, Feb 18: Ngari Rinpoche, the youngest brother of 14th Dalai Lama and a respected figure in Tibetan Buddhism, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 at his residence in Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Born Tenzin Choegyal in 1946 in Tibet, Ngari Rinpoche was recognised as the reincarnation of a high lama from the Ngari region in western Tibet. He fled to India with his family following the 1959 Tibetan uprising and spent the rest of his life in exile, working closely with the Tibetan community.
News of his demise was first reported by Radio Free Asia through its Tibetan service. “Ngari Rinpoche, younger brother of H.H. the Dalai Lama, passed away on February 17, 2026, at 80 at his residence in Dharamsala,” the outlet posted on its social media platform, along with a photograph of the late spiritual leader.
Voice of Tibet also confirmed the development, describing him as a respected spiritual figure and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the Tibetan cause.
Over the decades, Ngari Rinpoche remained deeply involved in preserving Tibetan culture and identity in exile. He supported educational programmes for refugee children and advocated the principles of non-violence and compassion that define the teachings of his elder brother. Though he largely stayed away from the limelight, he often accompanied the Dalai Lama on international visits and participated in discussions related to human rights and religious freedom.
Members of the global Tibetan diaspora expressed grief at his passing, recalling his humility and efforts to promote unity within the community. Activists called upon followers to offer prayers for his swift rebirth, in accordance with Buddhist traditions.
Residents of Dharamsala gathered for prayer sessions soon after the news emerged, while monasteries across India and abroad are expected to organise memorial services in the coming days. Official statements from the Dalai Lama’s office and the Central Tibetan Administration were awaited at the time of filing this report.
Ngari Rinpoche’s demise comes nearly a year after the death of his elder brother, Gyalo Thondup, who passed away at the age of 97. With his passing, the family that has long been associated with Tibet’s spiritual and political journey witnesses another chapter close, even as the Dalai Lama continues to guide millions across the world.
