Tibetan Translation & Research Institute at Frankfurt Book Fair
Our Institute’s engagement at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year aimed to spotlight His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s literary contributions to the global publishing community and the public. We were fortunate to have the generous support of our friend Gonpo Tsetan, based in Frankfurt, who graciously purchased the booth for us and hosted our team. Gonpo had been a major supporter of our exhibition last year as well.
At the fair, our strategically positioned booth, located just a few meters away from state-sponsored Chinese publishing houses, provided a unique platform to challenge their propagandistic publications. We distributed over 30,000 postal cards featuring 20 different quotes from His Holiness and an equal number of flyers detailing His Holiness’s four commitments. These materials reached a wide audience, including curious and suspicious Chinese exhibitors, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections.
A highlight of our participation was the launch of our latest Tibetan translations, which included titles such as “Heart To Heart,” “The Little Book of Joy,” “Big Panda,” and “Tiny Dragon.” These new publications garnered significant interest and appreciation from fair attendees.
We were honored to have Bei Ling, a renowned Chinese poet and journal editor, as our chief guest. Mr. Bei Ling, co-founder of the Independent Chinese PEN Center alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, added significant value to our presence. His involvement underscored the importance of free expression and highlighted the literary ties that transcend political boundaries.
Our participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair not only showcased His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s literary contributions but also served as a powerful counterpoint to state-sponsored narratives. The event strengthened our commitment to promoting peace, compassion, and understanding through literature, allowing us to engage with a diverse audience and fostering dialogue across cultural divides.