Gyaltsen Choden

January 1, 1921 - January 13, 2022

REMEMBERING KUNGO GYALTSEN CHODEN LA CHODEN, GYALTSEN, 101, of Secaucus died peacefully on Thursday, January 13, 2022. On the auspicious day of January 13, 2022, the 10th day of the Tibetan calendar, Kungo Gyaltsen Choden la passed over peacefully at the age of 101, surrounded by family and loved ones. Gyaltsen Choden’s life and legacy is one of public service and compassion. He was steadfastly committed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision for a more peaceful and equitable world and served His Holiness both in Tibet and in exile. As the last surviving government official of independent Tibet, he strove for the empowerment of the most vulnerable members of the community and the preservation of the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism. At his 100th birthday celebration, over 800 well-wishers were present to honor and express gratitude for the immeasurable impact and difference he had made throughout his lifetime. Gyaltsen Choden is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Tsundu Sangmo la; daughter Chime Lhamu; son Tsewang Namgyal and daughter-in-law Venus Wu; daughter Tsering Yangki and son-in-law Tsering Thondup Yazertsang; and his five devoted grandchildren – Ngawang Tsetan, Yudon Yazertsang, Gyaltsen Yazertsang, Labdron Namgyal, and Sangmo Namgyal.