MUNDGOD: The Indian community in Mundgod led by Mr V S Patil, a member of legislative assembly of Karnataka, joined thousands of Tibetans for the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday in Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod.

Over 2,000 Tibetans, attired in their best traditional clothes, offered greeting scarves to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait, after it was ushered to the venue by senior abbots, lamas and officials.

The official ceremony began with a minute’s silence to mourn all those Tibetans who have self-immolated for the just cause of Tibet.  The statements of the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament on the occasion were then read out by settlement officer Sonam Tenzing and Adruk Tsetan, a member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, respectively.

In his address, Mr V S Patil spoke about the relationship between the Tibetan and local communities. He said that the Indian people have deep respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and revere His Holiness as a god.

Early morning incense burning ceremony and cultural performances by members of both the community were other highlights of the festive occasion.

The settlement office hosted a luncheon reception for over 300 guests.
 

Birthday sweets were also distributed to the Indian people living in the neighboring towns and villages such as Mundgod, Tattihalli, Indore, Koppa, Kusur, Indranagar, Nandikutta, Hundgun, Hugnekeri , Dalai Lama ITI College and a school for the blind children.