Amid ongoing global celebrations for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, a seismic rift has emerged within the Tibetan exile community. Thirty-two anonymous members of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) from North America have issued a scathing public statement demanding an immediate reform of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the institution tasked with overseeing the recognition of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. The allegations – ranging from financial malfeasance to ethical breaches – have ignited fierce debates about transparency and accountability within one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered bodies.
Core Allegations: A Crisis of Trust
The statement, released on July 4, 2025, accuses senior Trust official-Tenzin Taklha – the Dalai Lama’s nephew and secretary- of diverting $1.3 million in international aid between 2019 and 2024. Leaked audits allegedly reveal funds intended for humanitarian projects were funneled into luxury real estate purchases in India, including high-end apartments and vacation properties in Dharamshala.
Beyond financial irregularities, the document cites anonymous testimonies from former Trust staff and devotees alleging coercive behavior during “spiritual mentorship” sessions. One account describes pressure to provide “donations” under the guise of religious devotion, while others hint at systemic sexual exploitation by individuals abusing their spiritual authority. The TYC members assert these actions directly contradict the Dalai Lama’s teachings and risk irrevocably tarnishing the institution’s moral legitimacy.
The TYC’s demands include Tenzin Taklha’s immediate removal and a restructuring of the Trust’s leadership to include younger, diaspora-elected representatives. Their manifesto warns that failure to act risks “collapse” of both the institution and the broader Tibetan movement.
Community Divide: Generational Fault Lines
The allegations have exposed stark generational divides. Many elder Tibetans, particularly monastic leaders, defend the Trust as “integral to His Holiness’s vision.” Kelsang Dorjee, an 68-year-old resident of McLeod Ganj, stated: “These claims feel like attacks on our spiritual heritage.”
Conversely, younger activists argue the scandal underscores systemic rot. “We cannot fight China’s oppression while tolerating corruption among ourselves,” said a TYC member.
Unanswered Questions
As tensions escalate, key issues remain unresolved: Will the Dalai Lama himself address the allegations? Can the Trust survive without radical reform? And how will this turmoil impact the fraught geopolitical landscape surrounding Tibet?
What’s clear is that the Tibetan Youth Congress has shattered taboos – and the exile community’s future may hinge on whether its cries for accountability are heeded.
