Marking 40 Years of Peaceful Resistance: 1987–1989
Dharamshala, 14 September 2026: The Tibet Museum of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration, today inaugurated its temporary exhibition, “Reflections on the 40th Anniversary of the New Generation’s Peaceful Protest Movements (1987/1988/1989),” in Dharamshala.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Sikyong Penpa Tsering as the Chief Guest, who formally inaugurated the exhibition and delivered the keynote address. The programme also featured reflections by Mr. Tenzin Topdhen, Director of The Tibet Museum; Dr. Tsang Truk Topla, Content Developer of the exhibition; Ven. Ngawang Woebar, Vice President of the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement; Dr. Blake Kerr, Physician, Author and Filmmaker; and Mr. John Ackerly, Board Member of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the butter lamp and offering of khatag, followed by the formal inauguration of the exhibition. Tenzin Topdhen subsequently guided Sikyong and the invited guests through the newly curated display.
Through archival photographs, documents, testimonies and historical accounts, the exhibition commemorates the courage and peaceful resistance of a new generation of Tibetans who stood up for freedom and dignity during the historic protest movements of 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Dr. Tsang Truk Topla introduced the concept and historical significance of the exhibition, while Ven. Ngawang Woebar shared personal reflections on the protests, the participation of monks, nuns and lay Tibetans, and the experiences of Tibetan political prisoners.
Providing firsthand perspectives, Dr. Blake Kerr and John Ackerly recounted their experiences as young American travellers who witnessed the 1987 demonstrations and subsequent crackdown in Lhasa. Their photographs and testimonies offer important eyewitness accounts of the events and their impact.
In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering placed the 1987–89 protest movements within the broader history of Tibet. He recalled the upheavals of the 1950s and 1960s, the 70,000-Character Petition of the 10th Panchen Lama, and the efforts of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to promote non-violence, peace and compassion while bringing international attention to the Tibetan cause.
Sikyong emphasised the importance of preserving this history for younger generations, noting that the exhibition serves as an important educational resource for understanding the experiences and peaceful resistance of Tibetans during this critical period of recent history.
The exhibition reflects on a defining chapter in Tibetan history and honours those who raised their voices through peaceful resistance. Their courage continues to inspire generations, and their stories remain an enduring reminder of the Tibetan people’s pursuit of freedom, dignity and justice.
We shall never forget!!!