‘Dear Kundan’: Young Tibetan artists pay tribute to Dalai Lama
An extraordinary celebration of art and reverence has come to life at the India International Centre, where 90 captivating artworks by young Tibetan artists from across the globe are on display in an exhibition titled “Dear Kundan”.
Inaugurated on Friday, the exhibition honours the 14th Dalai Lama on his 90th birth anniversary, highlighting his enduring message of compassion, peace and resilience through the eyes of children aged between 6 and 18.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (FURHHDL) and Khadhok, a Tibetan artists’ collective. A curated selection of 90 artworks was chosen from more than 700 submissions sent in by children living in India, Nepal, Europe, North America and Australia. These young artists have used diverse mediums — including sketches, acrylics, watercolours, pencil colours and even crayons — to portray their personal reflections on what His Holiness means to them.
The exhibition opened with a vibrant and moving performance of the traditional ‘Tashi Sholpa’ dance by children from the Tibetan Children’s Village School. The dance served as a heartfelt cultural tribute to the Dalai Lama, whose spiritual guidance and legacy of non-violence continue to inspire generations of Tibetans and people around the world.
Each artwork in the collection is a unique interpretation, offering a glimpse into the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama—from his early years in what is now Qinghai province, to his escape from Tibet in 1959, and his enduring efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and spirituality in exile.
One standout piece by Sonam Thendup, 18, shows the Dalai Lama surrounded by doves holding olive branches, symbolising peace. The young artist wrote, “I used bright colours to show his warm and kind personality. His smiling face shows peace and happiness… a glowing yellow light behind him like a halo shows his wisdom and spiritual power.”
Another notable contribution is a comic-style artwork by a 16-year-old participant, illustrating that the greatest tribute to the Dalai Lama lies not in material offerings, but in acts of love, compassion, and gratitude. This theme of heartfelt connection resonated deeply with visitors.
Talking about the exhibition, renowned author Namita Gokhale spoke at the inauguration. “All the paintings and the sentiments they express are of reverence but also of friendship,” she said in a conversation with The Tribune. “All these young people feel they have a friend in His Holiness… that same humanity, that same compassion, that same laughter is coming through in all the paintings.”
Gokhale noted the recurring presence of the Potala Palace in many of the artworks — a powerful symbol of the Tibetan homeland and the culture that these children are determined to preserve. “It’s very moving,” she said. “I hope that this culture will go on through this generation and the next and the next.” She also expressed her admiration for the energy and joy brought by the children’s dance performance, calling it both uplifting and inspiring. When asked which artwork stood out to her the most, Gokhale declined to choose, explaining that each piece reflects the individuality and interpretation of the young artist behind it.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from July 5 to July 15, between 11 am and 7 pm at the India International Centre. Through these 90 vibrant works of art, the spirit of the Dalai Lama continues to shine—seen not only through the eyes of a younger generation, but also through their hopeful vision for a peaceful world.
Delhi