To mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, ninety artworks created by Tibetan children from around the world are being showcased at three restaurants in McLeodganj, Dharamshala.
The exhibition, titled “Dear Kundun – Tibetan Children’s Art Exhibition,” was inaugurated on Sunday by the Tibet Fund and Khadhok, a Tibetan artists’ collective. The event highlights children’s creative tributes to the spiritual leader, blending heartfelt messages with vibrant imagery that reflect gratitude, hope, and resilience.
As part of the organisers’ Youth Art Engagement Initiative, the children were asked a simple question: “What does His Holiness mean to you?” Their responses, expressed through paint and canvas, capture personal stories of identity and inspiration.
“This exhibition is especially for the kids,” said Tashi Nyima, organiser and Tibetan visual artist. “The theme is ‘Dear Kundun.’ Tibetan children worldwide have shown their love for His Holiness through these artworks. We chose three cafes in McLeodganj, each displaying 30 paintings, so that tourists and locals alike can connect with the children’s messages while enjoying a casual setting.”
Nyima added that every painting is for sale, with proceeds going directly to the young artists. “We wanted to avoid exclusive spaces and instead bring the art to places where conversations about Tibet and His Holiness can happen naturally.”
Liya, a German volunteer, explained that the initiative drew global participation: “We made a worldwide call for art, asking children what His Holiness means to them. From all the submissions, we selected 90 artworks for His 90th birthday.”
Among the showcased artists is Tenzin Paldon, who described her painting depicting the Dalai Lama with students, a monk, and an elderly woman. “The students symbolise opportunity, the old woman embodies hope of returning to Tibet, and the monk represents freedom of religious practice—something we could not do under Chinese rule but are able to in India because of His Holiness.”
Through this unique public display, the exhibition not only honours the Dalai Lama’s milestone birthday but also amplifies the voices of Tibetan youth living in exile.