On April 11, 2025, the Tibetan Youth Congress organized a protest against the sudden and mysterious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a distinguished Tibetan lama who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Tibetan language and culture. The protest was coordinated by Tibetan Youth Congress Central Executive Committee, along with RTYC Rohini and Delhi Samyeling chapters, and took place in front of the Vietnamese and Chinese Embassies from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM.
Prior to the protest at the Chinese Embassy, Tibetan Youth Congress General Secretary Sonam Tsering delivered a formal letter to officials at the Vietnamese Embassy. The letter called for a transparent investigation into Tulku’s death and detention. Detailed his lifelong social work and religious activities for the wellbeing of all sentient beings, and requested an independent examination of his body and disclosure of findings regarding his sudden death.
The letter also demanded the return of his remains to his monastic institution and family members for proper religious rites and cremation ceremonies in accordance with Buddhist traditions.
Urged Vietnam to uphold universal human rights and freedom by refusing to participate in cross-border repression.
Embassy officials accepted the letter and promised to respond after submitting it to the Ambassador and the head of the political section. Following the letter submission, protesters conducted a photo action condemning Vietnamese involvement in Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s mysterious death.
After the action at the Vietnamese Embassy, 17 activists proceeded to protest in front of the Chinese Embassy, where they condemned the harassment and killing of the Tibetan Tulku in Vietnam. Demanded a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into his sudden and mysterious death. Also called for the return of his body to his relatives and monastic institutions for religious rites and cremation ceremonies as per the Buddhist tradition.
Notably, an unusually large police presence was deployed around the Chinese Embassy, but the activists successfully highlighted Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s case.
Following the protest, the activists were detained at Narela police custody on the Delhi border and released in the evening. During detention, the time was productively used for discussion among the activists. Three former RTYC Rohini members who are currently involved in research in various capacities, along with the TYC General Secretary, shared insights on: The significance of continuing to organize protest campaigns and similar events.
- The importance of taking responsibility during college years.
- How working with organizations like TYC nurtures leadership skills and provides valuable experience.
The protest was considered a resounding success in terms of media coverage and garnering international attention to this serious matter.
