In an early celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 83rd birthday, in due consideration of the schedules of the European Parliament, over 88 invitees attended the reception yesterday in Brussels. Organised by the Bureau du Tibet, Brussels, at the prestigious Solvay Library, at the vicinity of the European Parliament, the evening presented a solemn, joyous and dignified occasion.
Beginning with the invocation by Venerables Metok Rinpoche and Lama Zeupa and followed by a classic Nangma performance by Mr Tenzin Norbu and Ms Dechen, an atmosphere of Tibetan festivity was created.
The evening reception had an ensemble of culture, social, spiritual and political components.
Mr Christian Rousseau, a well-known Dutch impressionist painter exhibited his 28 big panels of paintings on the subject of Tibet. He had painted these series some twenty years ago after his visit to Tibet.
TASCHEN, a German company, known for its high-classed customized painting publications also exhibited its latest work, “Murals of Tibet”. This hugely respected work was unveiled by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala and all 1000 custom-made editions were signed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The final component was the release of the book “Thank You Europe – For Hoisting the Tibetan Flag”. This is the latest publication of the Bureau du Tibet, Brussels, which commemorates and celebrates the hoisting of Tibetan flag by nearly 2000 municipalities and towns in Europe. Leading the countries are Germany (935), France (676), Italy (207), Austria (174), Belgium (55) etc.
The book was released by Mr Thomas Mann – joined by Mr Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director, ICT, and Representative Tashi Phuntsok.
Mr Mann, in his key-note address recalled the recent European Parliamentary delegation’s visit to Dharamsala, the audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Europe Day i.e. 09 May and meetings with young Tibetan refugees, among others. In his nearly twenty years of stewardship of Tibet Friendship Group in the European Parliament, he has steadfastly supported Tibet and continues to vow his commitment for human rights for Tibet and the Middle Way Approach.
Among the nearly eighty dignitaries who attended the reception, over 20 invitees were from the European Parliament comprising of 6 MEPs – MEP Sogor, MEP Mann, MEP Coburn, MEP Gill, MEP Pitera and MEP Adinolfi.
– Report filed by OOT Brussels –
