A dignitary monk has a debate on Tibetan Buddhism with judges during the tryout for Geshe Lharampa, the highest academic degree for the Gelugba School of Tibetan Buddhism, in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region July 28, 2004.

Six monks passed the tryout on Wednesday. They are qualified for the formal dissertation at the praying meeting in celebration of next Tibetan New Year before being awarded the academic title.

The exam has been suspended for 16 years after a separatist group headed by Dalai Lama took advantage of this religious event in 1988 to start a riot.

(People's Daily  July 30, 2004)