Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April 30: The Tibet Museum unveiled a special temporary exhibition titled ‘Women of Tibet’ at its facility in Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, on Wednesday, honouring Tibetan women who have made significant contributions to the Tibetan cause.
The exhibition, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Tibet Museum’s establishment, features notable deceased Tibetan women from 1951 to the present. It highlights patriotic women from both inside and outside Tibet who dedicated their lives to the Tibetan cause, including heroines of the resistance movement, educators, activists, and those who made significant contributions to Tibetan religion, culture, and the arts. A special emphasis is placed on the compassionate Tibetan woman, the Great Mother of Tibet, Diki Tsering—the mother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama—through a dedicated section featuring historical photographs and biographical information.
“This temporary exhibition about Tibetan women is especially important,” said Tenzin Topdhen, Director of the Tibet Museum. “Thanks to the efforts of many women, including female warriors, patriotic women, and mothers, the exile government has been more organised compared to other exile governments. However, their contributions are not sufficiently visible in social media and promotional materials.”
Topdhen emphasised that the exhibition aims not only to honour the sacrifices of these women but also to inspire the younger generation of Tibetans to carry forward the struggle for Tibet with renewed vigour.
Chief Guest Rinchen Khando shared her personal perspective: “From my own life experience and as a woman, I believe that women play an important role in society through their confidence, courage, and ability to work hard. When I see how much courage elder Tibetan women have shown in times of need, I feel that my belief in them has not been misplaced.”
The ‘Women of Tibet’ exhibition will remain on display for two months, highlighting the vital roles Tibetan women have played in preserving their identity, culture, and contributions to the freedom movement. Following this, the next temporary exhibition will focus on the legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and is set to be inaugurated on his 90th birthday, July 6.
The Tibet Museum was initially established in 1998 near the main gate of Tsuglagkhang (the Main Temple) in McLeod Ganj and was officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on April 30, 2000. In December 2021, the museum relocated to its current location at Gangchen Kyishong, the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration, and was inaugurated by Sikyong (President) Penpa Tsering on February 9, 2022.
The museum, which operates under the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, currently features permanent exhibitions on themes including Tibetan civilisation, history, the work of the 14th Dalai Lama, invasion, resistance, exile, refugee life, contemporary Tibet, environment, and Tibetan identity. The museum also organises temporary and travelling exhibitions throughout the year to raise international awareness about Tibet.
