Statement of Condolences from the Tibet Support Group of the Estonian Parliament
Estonia, 19 Feb 2026: With deep sadness and out of respect for the wordless bound between small nations, we in the Republic of Estonia have received the news of the unexpected passing of Venerable Ngari Rin-poche, or Tenzin Choegyal, the youngest brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Ngari Rinpoche – Tenzin Choegyal was the spiritual leader of occupied Western Tibet and a role model for hundreds of thousands of followers of the Compassion around the world. His life and dedication to human values through the high culture of Buddhist spiritual teachings made him both a friend to ordinary people through a warm and instructive example, as well as a deeply respected leader to many oppressed Tibetans.
Ngari Rinpoche’s contribution to the culture of kindness, compassion, unconditional support and assistance over the decades, as well as his legendary sense of humour and extraordinary willingness to help other sentient beings, shaped him into a positive role model for many during his fruitful life.
On behalf of the Tibet Support Group of the Estonian Parliament, we hereby express our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Venerable Ngari Rinpoche, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, and the people of Tibet.
Members of the Tibet Support Group of the Estonian Parliament: MP Juku-Kalle Raid, (Chairman of the Tibetan Support Group), MP Annely Akkermann, MP Anti Allas, MP Ester Karuse, MP Ando Kiviberg, MP Eerik-Niiles Kross, MP Leo Kunnas, MP Hanah Lahe, MP Tõnis Lukas, MP Tiit Maran, MP Helju Pikhof, MP Evelin Poolamets, MP Anti Poolamets, MP Henn Põlluaas, MP Marek Reinaas, MP Urmas Reinsalu, MP Stig Rästa, MP Riina Sikkut, MP Kalev Stoicescu, MP Margit Sutrop, MP Tarmo Tamm, MP Toomas Uibo, MP Kristo Enn Vaga, MP Jaak Valge, Mr Roy Strider (Group coordinator).