Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Mar. 21: Lawmakers of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, engaged in extensive debate regarding Telo Tulku Rinpoche, who currently serves as the Tibet Representative for Russia, Mongolia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries) while operating from outside Russian territory during the budget session on Friday,
Telo Tulku Rinpoche, who also served as the head of the Buddhists in Kalmyk Republic, was designated as a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities in January 2023 after he expressed opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during an interview. This designation has prevented his return to Russia, forcing him to fulfil his representative duties remotely.
During today’s parliamentary session, MP Juchen Kunchok Chodon raised concerns about the situation, suggesting that Rinpoche’s absence might be creating distance between local devotees and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The MP argued that if Rinpoche cannot effectively perform his duties in person, he should resign on ethical grounds to allow for the appointment of a new representative.
In response, Norzin Dolma, Minister of the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), explained that Telo Rinpoche is currently working virtually and cannot return to Russia, as he faces potential imprisonment for up to seven years due to his “foreign agent” designation.
Minister Dolma further informed the parliament that the department is actively seeking replacement candidates but faces significant challenges in finding suitable individuals. With only approximately 40 Tibetans residing in the region, the candidate pool is limited. Additionally, appointing someone from outside the region would require them to pass examinations and navigate complex processes to work legally in Russia.
Given these difficulties, the department has extended Telo Rinpoche’s tenure by one year, rather than the customary two-year extension granted to representatives, while the search for a replacement continues.
Telo Tulku Rinpoche, born Erdne Basan Ombadykow to a Kalmyk immigrant family in the United States in 1972, was recognised by the Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of Telopa, a great Indian saint. After studying for 13 years at Drepung Gomang Monastery in India, he was elected as the Shadjin Lama (Head Lama) of Kalmykia in 1992 and has overseen the construction of over 37 Buddhist temples and 120 stupas in the region.
In 2014 Telo Tulku Rinpoche was appointed as the new Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia, Mongolia and CIS countries at the Tibet Culture & Information Centre (Office of Tibet) in Moscow, Russia. After serving 6 years as Honorary representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama, he was reappointed for another term of 4 years in 2021.
