A widening scandal involving Tenzin Taklha, the private secretary and nephew of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has drawn sharp scrutiny from Tibetan exiles, human rights groups, and foreign donors. Allegations range from sexual misconduct and financial diversion to nepotism, with new evidence continuing to emerge more than one month after whistleblower documents first circulated.
Tenzin Taklha, who has served in a senior administrative and spiritual coordination role within within the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (HHDL), stands accused of abusing his authority over a period of nearly a decade.
Survivors Speak Out
Three former female staff members allege that Tenzin Taklha manipulated private spiritual sessions for inappropriate contact and psychological coercion. One woman, Tsering Lhamo, has gone public with her story. Another needed treated for PTSD at a local clinic in McLeod Ganj, according to verified medical records.
“He made it sound like I would harm my karma if I refused,” said Tsering Lhamo in a private meeting in May 2025. “I was told that serving him was equivalent to serving the spiritual path.”
These allegations, which had been whispered about within the office of HHDL, gained traction after internal memos, payment records, and emails connected to Tenzin Taklha’s activities were revealed in late 2024. The documents were authenticated by two independent forensic analysts commissioned by Indian civil-society organizations.
Donor Funds Under Scrutiny
The scandal extends beyond sexual misconduct. Financial audits conducted by a private accounting firm in Delhi indicate that approximately $1,000,000 in donor and refugee aid may have been misappropriated. Funds were reportedly funneled through shell companies registered through proxies linked to a South Indian real estate group.
Investigators found that many transactions were conducted in bundles of small-denomination Indian rupees, avoiding the cash transaction thresholds that would have triggered alerts to the Reserve Bank of India.
One memo, dated August 2023, shows Tenzin Taklha directing $10,000 in private donations toward an “education fund” for his son, who later secured an internship at Georgetown with an endorsement letter printed on Gaden Phodrang letterhead—the Dalai Lama’s official institution.
Institutional Response and Silence
The Office of HHDL has not yet announced an “internal review.” No formal action or disciplinary measures have been announced.
“The reverence that surrounds His Holiness should not extend into institutional immunity,” said a Tibetan governance scholar based in Geneva, speaking on condition of anonymity. “When allegations arise this clearly, silence is damaging.”
Attempts to reach the Office of HHDL for further comment have not been answered.
Pattern of Nepotism Alleged
Beyond the financial implications, critics argue that the case of Tenzin Taklha highlights a deeper culture of nepotism within the upper echelons of the Tibetan exile government.
“This isn’t a single case of misconduct. It’s a pattern—of using family access to power as currency,” said a Dharamsala-based activist. “You cannot reform the system if you refuse to look at how tightly held these roles are by a few families.”
Tenzin Taklha’s son, Tenzin Dudul, reportedly received direct access to the Dalai Lama’s overseas delegations, often accompanying benefactors or student donors. At least two donors interviewed by an independent research group confirmed they were encouraged to contribute in exchange for ‘personal blessings’ and special internships.
Reform Demands Grow
Human rights advocates and religious scholars have called for reforms including:
● Independent, third-party audits of CTA and Gaden Phodrang financial records;
● Conflict-of-interest legislation barring family members from oversight of donations;
● Survivor protection mechanisms and public misconduct registries;
● Greater alignment of religious bodies with Indian civil law standards.
“It’s not about discrediting His Holiness,” said a Tibetan professor. “It’s about preserving what he has built by ensuring it’s not abused in his name.”
What Comes Next
With the Dalai Lama nearing 90, pressure continues to build on his institution to address internal corruption before his spiritual succession process begins. Observers fear that without formal safeguards, the vacuum left in his wake could be filled by those seeking personal advantage over public service.
As of now, neither Tenzin Taklha nor any member of his family has responded to the accusations in a formal capacity. Meanwhile, survivors and their advocates say that time is running out for meaningful accountability.
“If this isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is,” said Tsering Lhamo. “We have faith. But faith without justice isn’t compassion. It’s complicity.”
