Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal, the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama has passed away at the age of 80 at his residence, Kashmir Cottage, in Dharamsala on Tuesday night.His demise marks the end of a life dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture and the political aspirations of the Tibetan people in exile.Born in Lhasa in 1946, the Fire Dog year of the 16th Rabjung cycle, Ngari Rinpoche was raised in a family that has become central to Tibet’s modern history.After China’s occupation of Tibet in 1959, he accompanied the Dalai Lama into exile in India, joining thousands of Tibetans who has came here.Recognised at the age of three as the reincarnation of Ngari Rinpoche, a revered lineage associated with western Tibet (Ngari), he assumed spiritual responsibilities early in life. His upbringing combined traditional Tibetan Buddhist education with modern academic training. After arriving in India, he studied at St Joseph’s School in Darjeeling before pursuing higher studies in the United States.Over the years, Ngari Rinpoche held several important positions within the exile Tibetan administration, formally known as the Central Tibetan Administration. He served as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Religion and Culture, taught at Tibetan Children’s Village, and worked as Personal Assistant to the Home Secretary. He later became Special Assistant in the Private Office of the Dalai Lama.From 1974 to 1976, he served as President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, one of the largest Tibetan non-governmental organisations advocating for Tibet’s independence. He also represented Domey (Amdo) as a Member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in its 11th Assembly.The President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile Penpa Tsering has expressed deep condolences in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter). “On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I express my deep sorrow on the passing of the Ngari Rinpoche (Tenzin Choegyal), the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a prominent spiritual figure. Throughout his life, Rinpoche devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of Tibet. He remained steadfast in his support of the Tibetan Administration and bore the hardships and aspirations of the Tibetan people as his own. At this time of mourning, I express my sincere gratitude for Rinpoche’s enduring legacy and extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers,” he wrote.It may be mentioned that the Gyalo Thondup, the second oldest brother of the Dalai Lama had died at the age of 97 on February 8, 2025, at his home, Taktser House, in Kalimpong in West Bengal.