Dharamshala — The Library of Tibetan Works and Achives commemorated its 55th anniversary in Dharamshala on Wednesday. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama founded the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives to restore, protect, preserve Tibetan manuscripts, books, artifacts and promote the culture and Buddhism of Tibet.
LTWA organised the commemoration of its 55th anniversary at Sikyong hall, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, HP, on June 11, 2025. Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration attended the celebration as Chief guest and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile as special guest. 11th Kriti Rinpoche, Lobsang Tenzin Jigme Yeshe Gyamtso Rinpoche, secretaries from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, attended the 55th anniversary celebration.
Other guests were Yeshi Wangmo, Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission (TSJC), Minister Dolma Gyari of the Department of Security, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Tibetan Justice Commissioner Dawa Phunkyi, Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, Auditor General Tashi Topgyal, several members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, along with secretaries, heads of Tibetan NGOs, both current and former staffs of LTWA, former and current students, total more than 200 people attended the 55th anniversary celebration of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.
Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the LTWA, gave a welcome and introductory speech: "The LTWA was founded on June 11, 1970. Every year since then, thousands of people, mostly Westerners, have visited the LTWA, which is not only a library but also a museum. At least 200 to 300 people from different countries have come to study the Tibetan language and Buddhism at the LTWA. The LTWA has nine departments and publishes at least 30 to 40 books a year."
Geshe Lhakdor said, "the complete annexation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China in 1959 caused unimaginable damage to the country and its people. The Communist Chinese annihilated almost all ancient centres of learning, manuscripts, artifacts and other cultural heritage of Tibet."
"The invaders plundered and destroyed all aspects of traditional Tibetan life under the guise of bringing modernity. In the face of this precarious and dangerous situation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama conceived the idea of establishing the LTWA, and through it preserving, restoring, protecting and promoting Tibetan culture," Geshe added.
"The Library houses some priceless artifacts and manuscripts that were rescued during the 1959 escape and afterwards, including some important Tibetan Buddhist manuscripts and documents on Tibetan history, politics, culture and art," he declared.
The director explained, "In 1991, the LTWA was recognised as a Centre for Tibetan Studies by the Himachal Pradesh University, and in 1996, the Tibetan Parliament in-exile accorded the institute the exclusive status of National Library, National Museum and National Archive."
"The Library provides students, scholars, researchers, institutions and offices around the world with research and translation services, reference queries and cultural data information. The Library also provides residences of varying duration to accredited researchers, scholars and students," Geshe Lhakdor said.
Geshe Lhakdor expressed gratitude to the former and current staff members of the LTWA, recognising their contributions and contributions to the LTWA.
Former LTWA staff members Kriti Rinpoche, Lobsang Shastri and Professor Jampa Samten gave speeches in which they shared their personal impressions, professional experiences and reflections on the essential role of the library in preserving and promoting Tibetan heritage. They highlighted the lasting legacy of the institutions and their impact on the Tibetan community and global academic circles.
Sikyong and Speaker also delivered remarks at the gathering. The speakers lauded the LTWA for its contributions to the preservation, digitization, and promotion of Tibetan religion, culture, history, and Buddhism. Furthermore, the Tibetan youths were encouraged to dedicate their efforts to the Tibetan cause and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
