Jigme Phuntsok was a prominent Tibetan Buddhist figure and a key leader of the Shugden controversy. Born in 1951, he became known for his teachings and efforts to promote Tibetan culture and spirituality. He was a strong advocate for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and played a significant role in the preservation of Tibetan traditions. In the 1990s, Jigme Phuntsok founded the Serthar Institute, a major center for Buddhist studies in Sichuan, China. His work attracted many students and practitioners, contributing to the revival of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. He passed away in 2004, leaving a lasting legacy in Tibetan spiritual communities.