Congressional Gold Medal Exhibition in Rabongla

In a touching tribute to the life, teachings, and global legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the 18th Congressional Gold Medal Conferment Day Exhibition was held at the Tathagata Tsal Congregation Hall (Buddha Park), Rabongla. The event was jointly organized by the Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement Office and the Bhutia Social Welfare Foundation, Rabong, as part of the observance of the “Year of Compassion 2025–2026.”

The Executive Members of the All Sikkimese Bhutia Association (ASBA) were among the honored attendees, proudly representing the wider Bhutia community of Sikkim in this culturally rich and spiritually significant gathering.

The exhibition commemorated the 2007 presentation of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal — one of the highest civilian honors in the United States — to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, recognizing his tireless advocacy for peace, non-violence, human rights, and compassion around the globe.

A standout moment of the day was the Tibetan Calligraphy Exhibition by renowned calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar, whose intricate and spiritually inspired works offered visitors a glimpse into the sacred art form deeply rooted in Tibetan heritage. His pieces not only showcased the aesthetic elegance of Tibetan script but also conveyed the timeless philosophical values espoused by His Holiness.

The exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the enduring ties between Tibetan and Bhutia communities, as well as the shared responsibility to uphold and celebrate their spiritual and cultural traditions.

With warm gestures of mutual respect and a renewed sense of unity, the event reaffirmed the collective commitment of the people of Sikkim to the message of compassion and harmony, as championed by the Dalai Lama.

The gathering at Rabongla stood as a beacon of hope and cultural pride — honoring the past, celebrating the present, and nurturing a future guided by wisdom and compassion.