In recent years, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has focused on political interests, often at the expense of unity within Tibetan Buddhism. A stark example is the glaring neglect of a highly respected and widely recognized spiritual leader, the 17th Karmapa. While the CTA continues to invest resources in promoting the birth celebrations of the much-revered and beloved 14th Dalai Lama, it has marginalized other Buddhist figures who are equally important and influential to the Tibetan cause. This approach reveals a deeper problem: the instrumentalization of religious events and figures to serve short-term political interests. Rather than promoting true religious harmony or pursuing the long-term interests of the Tibetan people, the CTA appears to be using the image and legacy of the Dalai Lama to maintain its own political influence.

Since 2011, the CTA has organized numerous religious conferences, many of which seem more performative than meaningful. Similarly, the elaborate celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s birthday, while well-intentioned, are often filled with noise and symbolic gestures, draining resources that could be used to meet more pressing community needs. These events, despite all the pomp and circumstance, have little practical significance either for the Dalai Lama himself or for Tibetans in exile, many of whom are facing real socio-economic challenges.

It is distressing to see our revered Buddhist leader – a symbol of compassion and wisdom – reduced to a pawn in political wrangling. True leadership lies in humility, service and solidarity, not in selectively amplifying some voices and silencing others.

The Central Tibetan Administration must reassess its priorities. If it truly wishes to serve the Tibetan cause and respect the unity and compassion that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has championed throughout his life, it must stop using religion as a political tool and start listening to the diverse voices of the Tibetan people – including those of other revered lamas like the 17th Karmapa.

Only by being inclusive and addressing the real needs of our people can we hope to preserve the integrity of our spiritual heritage and the dignity of our struggle.