Tibetans celebrate 89th Birthday of Dalai Lama
According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition , the Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva of compassion. It is a Mongolian term that means “Ocean of Wisdom”, and Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own enlightenment and chosen to take rebirth to serve.
The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in the small farming village of Takster, north-eastern Tibet. At the age of two, the boy Lhamo Dhondup was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. In October 1939, he was brought to Lhasa and formally installed as the head of the state of Tibet on February 22, 1940. Boy Lhamo Dhondup was later named Tenzin Gyatso, and his monastic education was started at the age of six.
The Dalai Lama assumed full political powers in 1950. The Chinese invasion to capture and subjugate Tibet had begun in 1949 itself . In March 1959 the Tibetans had started a war to throw out the invaders but the Chinese brutally suppressed the Tibetan National Uprising. The Dalai Lama was forced to escape into exile in India with over eighty thousand refugees.
The Tibet Govt in Exile and also the Tibetan Parliament in Exile are functioning from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh since then . For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has been working for the promotion of peace, love, and compassion.
Elders, young women, monks, and students of the Tibetan community, along with Indians, gathered in the Tibetan school, Chhota Shimla, to celebrate the 89th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The Indian Buddhist community and local residents also participated in large numbers. The traditional Tibetan folk dances and Indian cultural performances by Tibetan students fascinated all.
While speaking to ANI on Saturday, Tsewang Phuntsok, Chief Representative Officer of the Central Tibetan Administration, said that the Dalai Lama is very important to the Tibetan community. He is a living Buddha and a symbol of peace and kindness.
“Today, not only here in Shimla but all over the Tibetan community around the world, we are celebrating Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday. Dalai Lama is everything for the Tibetan community, and he is the living Buddha for us. He is the reincarnation of Avalokitshawara, and he is not only an important figure for the Tibetan community but also for the whole of the world for his vision of compassion and non-violence.
“On this auspicious occasion, we take this opportunity to pray for the long life of His Holiness On this auspicious occasion, we celebrate his birthday through cultural and religious celebrations,” said Tsewang Phuntsok, Chief Representative Officer of Central Tibetan Administration in Shimla,” he added.
“Today is important for all Buddhists in Himalayan religion as it is the birthday of Dalai Lama. He helped in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and later, after coming to India, he propagated peace and compassion in India and across the Globe. He helped in preserving the Buddhist and Himalayan culture in educational institutions in the Himalayan region,” said V S Negi, Himalayan Buddhist.
The Additional Chief Secretary, of the Revenue Department of the Himachal Pradesh government, Onkar Chand Sharma, presided over the birthday celebration programme of the 14th Dalai Lama in Shimla. He said that it is important that his message of peace reach everyone in society.
“Today is the 89th Birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama I wish him good health and greet him on his birthday on behalf of the government of Himachal Pradesh and the people of the state. And wish you a long life for guiding us in peace and compassion. It is a pride moment for Himachal Pradesh, as he lives in Dharamshala. The people across the globe from the international community come to meet him, and I would say his peach message should reach everywhere and everyone in society,” said Onkar Chand Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Revenue, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
On 6 July 2024, Tibetans led by the Central Tibetan Administration gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard to commemorate the biggest celebration of the Tibetan community.
The presence of the Chief Guest, the Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, and other distinguished guests graced the event. These included the Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Sri Tapir Gao, a member of Lok Sabha Representing the Arunachal East constituency and accompanied by several other dignitary officials and ministers of Sikkim. Additionally, the event was attended by Bhutila Karpoche, Honourable Deputy Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Canada and Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, a municipality in the district of Meilen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting a Thangka to Chief guest CM of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang.
Following Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Sonam Tenphel’s delivery of the statements of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament, respectively, distinguished guests extended their best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 89th birthday, first by Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, in his remarks, he conveyed greetings and gratitude on behalf of the community. He further highlights the profound impact of His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause and global humanitarian efforts, while also recognising the collaborative efforts of the Central Tibetan Administration in achieving these goals.
The Chief guest initiated his speech by conveying his sincere appreciation for the invitation extended by the Central Tibetan Administration and recognised the worldwide observance of His Holiness’s birthday on 6 July. He commended Dharamshala, especially McLeod Ganj, as a symbol of compassion and wisdom fostered under His Holiness’s guidance. In acknowledging His Holiness’s challenging upbringing and subsequent global influence, he underscored the universal teachings of Buddhism, peace, and compassion espoused by His Holiness. The esteemed guest warmly regarded His Holiness’s well-being and longevity, noting Sikkim’s pride in hosting His Holiness and reaping the benefits of his visits. The chief minister emphasised the transformative influence of His Holiness’s teachings in promoting harmony and sustainability, pledging unwavering support and disseminating His Holiness’s principles for a peaceful world.
Furthermore, the special guest Bhutila Karpoche, in her address, reflected upon the tireless hard work of His Holiness for Tibetans and expressed gratitude, especially praising His Holiness’ visionary leadership since his exile from Tibet at 24. She emphasised His Holiness’s global stature as a revered spiritual leader. She highlighted recent commendations, including His Holiness’ designation as the preeminent Buddhist leader by the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace and his honorary Canadian citizenship. She called upon individuals to uphold His Holiness’s principles of peace, harmony, and unity as a tribute while conveying heartfelt wishes for his enduring health and longevity and ended with her address.
In his address, Sri Tapir Gao expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the life and teachings of His Holiness. He highlighted the global impact of His Holiness’s peace, compassion, and understanding principles. Reflecting on His Holiness’s remarkable journey, Sri Tapir Gao emphasised the historic significance of His Holiness’s arrival in India, symbolising a deep bond of friendship and solidarity between India and Tibet.
The event saw lively cultural performances from Tibetan schools, regional Tibetan associations in Dharamshala and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts(TIPA) and significant literary launches. It also saw the honouring of the Chief guests and the guests with a memento by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Kashag.
Six civil servants were felicitated by the Tibetan Public Service Commission on their completion of 25 years of service. Similarly, two civil servants were awarded with excellence awards for their distinctive service.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting a Thangka to Sri Migmar Norbu Sherpa, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting Thangka to Sri Tapir Gao, a member of Lok Sabha Representing the Arunachal East constituency.
