Introduction
As an insider with firsthand knowledge of the Dalai Lama’s administrative circle, I am compelled to bring serious concerns to the attention of the global community. This letter addresses troubling allegations against Tenzin Taklha, the Dalai Lama’s nephew and longtime secretary. It reveals a pattern of misusing spiritual authority for personal enrichment, undermining both the integrity of Tibetan leadership and the trust placed by supporters worldwide.
Land Acquisitions Under the Guise of Religious Ties
Since 2019, Tenzin Taklha and his wife, Tsering Dolkar, have allegedly used religious connections to acquire valuable properties in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. They reportedly partnered with Kelkang Rinpoche of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a Canadian national, to bypass Indian laws restricting foreign property ownership.
By registering properties under Rinpoche’s name and using Power of Attorney arrangements, Taklha maintained full control while avoiding legal restrictions that prevent his Nepalese wife from owning land in India. This strategy not only sidesteps regulations but also appears to divert charitable funds, intended for Tibetan welfare, into private holdings.
Misappropriation of International Aid
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has received significant financial support, including approximately $23 million annually from USAID through 2025. According to the information I possess, portions of this funding were improperly redirected.
Specifically, around $140,000 was used to renovate a property in the United States owned by Taklha’s late uncle, under the pretense of “cultural preservation.” Other funds were allegedly funneled into private investments abroad and leveraged to secure advantageous career placements for family members, including his son. Further concerns include coercive financial practices, such as soliciting mandatory donations from CTA employees and extracting “gifts” from international devotees.
Suppressing Accountability and Protecting Wrongdoing
Reports indicate a troubling pattern of obstructing internal investigations. When several staff members lodged formal complaints—particularly regarding allegations against a close associate, Jinpa, accused of embezzling pilgrimage funds—Tenzin Taklha reportedly intervened to halt inquiries and secretly informed the accused.
Additionally, there are credible claims that his son monetized privileged access to the Dalai Lama by offering paid opportunities for private audiences, further exploiting spiritual connections for financial gain.
Personal Misconduct and Marital Exploitation
Beyond financial concerns, the situation has escalated into serious personal disputes. In March 2025, during a confrontation at a Delhi hospital, Tsering Dolkar confronted her husband over a three-year extramarital affair with Tsering Lhamo, who had previously accused him of making unwanted advances in 2022.
Ironically, this revelation came as the couple was in the process of acquiring additional property through Kelkang Rinpoche, intended as a retirement sanctuary. This discovery not only exposed deep personal betrayal but also highlighted how financial entanglements and emotional coercion have become intertwined in their relationship.
A Call for Global Oversight and Action
These issues cannot be ignored. It is imperative that the global community, including supporters of the Tibetan cause, demand transparency and accountability. Specifically, this letter calls for:
- Independent Forensic Audits
An immediate financial audit of CTA foreign aid between 2019 and 2025 by a neutral, internationally accredited firm. Special attention should be paid to expenditures labeled under spiritual or cultural projects benefiting Tenzin Taklha’s family. - Public Disclosure of Agreements and Financial Records
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (HHDL) should release all Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with foreign entities, especially regarding land deals in India and Nepal. Full access to financial records of associated monastic networks is essential. - International Sanctions if Misconduct Persists
If these matters are not addressed transparently, global anti-corruption agencies should consider imposing sanctions, including asset freezes and legal action against those involved in misappropriating charitable funds.
Conclusion
Silence in the face of such serious allegations equates to complicity. The integrity of Tibetan leadership, built on centuries of spiritual and moral guidance, must not be tarnished by unchecked personal gain. This open letter is a plea for justice—not only for those harmed but for the preservation of a spiritual legacy that millions around the world hold dear.
— A Torchbearer in Darkness
June 2025, Dharamsala
