Puran Chettri is back at it again, doubling down on his conspiracy-laden claims about the Dalai Lama. His latest blog post reads like a greatest-hits compilation of Chinese propaganda—chock full of baseless allegations, obscure sources, and a narrative that sounds suspiciously familiar to anyone who’s read the CCP’s playbook. Let’s unpack Chettri’s latest diatribe and see just how far he’s strayed from reality.
Chettri insists that the Dalai Lama’s recent travels, particularly his extended stay in Switzerland, are all about transferring personal assets. He cites unnamed sources and “documents” that were supposedly seen in the Dalai Lama’s entourage. However, the reality of the situation is far more grounded. His Holiness, now 89, recently underwent knee surgery in New York and needs adequate time for rest and recovery. Traveling across continents at such an advanced age is no small feat, and extending his stay in Switzerland for rest before returning to India is far more plausible than the fevered imaginings of asset transfers. One might wonder if Chettri has ever considered the challenges faced by an elderly person recovering from major surgery.
Chettri claims to have inside information from an “entourage of Ling Rinpoche,” yet he fails to provide any credible evidence. This tactic of vague sourcing is a hallmark of disinformation, aiming to sow doubt without offering concrete proof. If Chettri is so confident in his information, why does he wait until “mid-October” to publish the supposed photo of the “15th Dalai Lama”? The delay reeks of a desperate attempt to keep the rumour mill churning rather than revealing any actual truth. His credibility crumbles further when considering the reliability of his so-called “sources,” which remain as elusive as his evidence.
Chettri also tries to paint the Dalai Lama as a figure of immense personal wealth, throwing around the figure of $150 million with no verifiable sources. The reality? The Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which handles the Dalai Lama’s finances, is a Swiss-registered non-profit that directs funds to charitable causes, including Tibetan cultural preservation, education, and international humanitarian aid. The Dalai Lama himself has renounced personal ownership of any assets—a fact well-documented and aligned with his monastic vows. Unlike the fabricated wealth narratives that Chettri spins, the Dalai Lama’s life of simplicity and dedication to service is well-known and respected globally.
Chettri complains about ticket prices for the Dalai Lama’s longevity ceremony in New York, suggesting that the $99 fee is evidence of profiteering. What he neglects to mention is that such events are often organized by third parties—universities, charities, or religious institutions—that charge for tickets to cover costs like venue hire, security, and travel. Any surplus typically goes to charitable causes, not into the Dalai Lama’s pockets. This is standard practice for high-profile events, especially those involving international travel and security arrangements. Chettri’s attempt to frame this as a money-grabbing scheme is as transparent as it is desperate.
One of the more egregious claims made by Chettri is his attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)has been a lifeline for thousands of Tibetan children in exile. Chettri questions its financial integrity, citing anonymous “scandals” and insinuating that funds are being misappropriated. However, TCV has a long history of transparent financial practices, with each branch releasing periodic expenditure records to donors. The suggestion that TCV funds are being siphoned off is nothing more than an unfounded smear against an institution that has dedicated decades to educating Tibetan children in exile.
Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama’s sister, has been at the forefront of these efforts. Revered as the “Mother of Tibet,” she served as the President of TCV for over 42 years, transforming it into a network of schools that has cared for and educated over 53,000 Tibetan children. Her dedication and service have earned her numerous accolades, including the Pearl S. Buck Award and the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the Indian government. Chettri’s baseless accusations against TCV are not just an attack on an institution but also on the tireless efforts of individuals like Jetsun Pema, who have worked selflessly to preserve Tibetan culture and provide education to the most vulnerable.
Jetsun Pema’s work with TCV is just one aspect of her lifelong commitment to the Tibetan community. Born in 1940 in Lhasa, she was educated in India and later in Switzerland and England. At the request of her elder brother, the Dalai Lama, she took on the leadership of TCV in 1964, dedicating her life to the care and education of Tibetan children. Under her leadership, TCV expanded to include multiple children’s villages, residential schools, vocational training centres, and homes for the elderly. Jetsun Pema’s contributions have been recognized globally, and her legacy continues to inspire those who fight for the preservation of Tibetan culture and the well-being of Tibetan refugees. The scandals that Chettri alludes to are nothing more than the fevered imaginings of someone intent on discrediting a life of service and dedication.
Puran Chettri’s latest blog post is a masterclass in disinformation, echoing classic CCP talking points while offering no credible evidence. His motivations are clear: to undermine the Dalai Lama’s reputation and sow discord among Tibetans and their supporters. However, his flimsy arguments and dubious sources fail to stand the slightest scrutiny. The Dalai Lama remains a revered spiritual leader whose life’s work is dedicated to the well-being of all sentient beings—a fact that no amount of propagandist drivel can obscure.
Furthermore, the attacks on Ms Jetsun Pema and the Tibetan Children’s Village are not just baseless—they are an affront to the countless lives she has touched through her work. It’s time for Mr. Chettri to reflect on his motivations. Is he genuinely interested in the truth, or is he just another cog in the machinery of disinformation?
As his credibility is slipping with every baseless accusation he makes. Perhaps it’s time for Chettri to take a lesson from the very people he seeks to undermine: honesty, integrity, and a commitment to the truth are worth far more than the fleeting satisfaction of spreading falsehoods.
