Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 30: The exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration, and its Tibet Museum, in collaboration with Palbung Sherabling Monastery, marked ‘Tibetan Calligraphy Day’ on Thursday with a special exhibition.
The observance of ‘Tibetan Calligraphy Day’ in exile draws its origins from within Tibet itself. Speaking on the occasion, Tenzin Topden, Director of the Tibet Museum, noted that the inaugural Tibetan Calligraphy Conference was convened inside Tibet on April 16, 2017. The gathering brought together over 130 calligraphers, teachers, and students, including both monastic and lay individuals. It was during this landmark meeting that April 30 was formally designated as ‘Tibetan Calligraphy Day,’ symbolically reflecting the fourth month (April) for the four vowels and the 30th day for the thirty consonants of the Tibetan alphabet.
The jointly organised exhibition showcased the history, various styles, and distinctive features of Tibetan script, along with exemplary works from past scholars. Topden said that the exhibition aims to help preserve, revive, and further promote the rich tradition of Tibetan calligraphy.
Karma Wangdak, a calligrapher from Sherabling Monastery speaking to media representatives, stated that the monastery in exile, particular under the guidance of the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, has undertaken numerous initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the Tibetan language. Among these efforts, significant emphasis has been placed on sustaining and advancing the tradition of Tibetan calligraphy.
He further noted that, in accordance with His Holiness’s 90th birthday, a similar exhibition on Tibetan calligraphy was also organized last year at the monastery, and expressed great pride in being able to hold such a calligraphy exhibition again this year to mark ‘Tibetan Calligraphy Day.’
“Through such exhibitions, Tibetans should develop a deep sense of pride in the rich and profound history of their language, while also recognizing the vital importance of actively contributing to the preservation and protection of Tibetan linguistic and cultural heritage,” he stated.
This initiative has since organically inspired Tibetans in exile to adopt and celebrate the day with equal enthusiasm and cultural pride. In a similar spirit, the Students for a Free Tibet India chapter, in collaboration with Wasur Circle, a literary group on reading and writing, also marked ‘Tibetan Calligraphy Day’ at the Dekyi Tsering Hall. The programme featured calligraphy workshops led by two master practitioners, offering students hands-on training.
The event also included presentations addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the Tibetan language and education inside Tibet. Speakers highlighted concerns over Chinese state policies, including the reported curbs on Tibetan language instruction in state-run boarding schools and the recently adopted Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress. Emphasis was placed on the responsibility of Tibetan students in exile to continue preserving and strengthening their linguistic and cultural heritage in the face of such pressures.
The celebrations were not confined to exile communities alone. Videos and images that emerged from inside Tibet also showed Tibetans marking ‘Tibetan Calligraphy Day’ in their own ways, despite prevailing constraints. One widely shared clip on social media captured a particularly moving moment where a Tibetan man named Pema Wangchen, purchasing three calligraphy pieces at an event for RMB 78,000 (approximately ₹1.07 crore), described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life. His gesture stood as a powerful expression of pride and devotion to the Tibetan language and culture, highlighting the enduring bond that continues to unite Tibetans across borders.
