Tokyo: Around 250 Japanese and Tibetans gathered at Hotel Okura in the heart of Tokyo city to celebrate the 78th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Representative Lhakpa Tshoko in his welcome speech thanked all guests who have come from various parts of Japan including far-flung places like Kyushu and Okinawa.
Mr Ngodup Tsering, Secretary of the Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, was the chief guest at the occasion.
While speaking on the educational vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he explained how CTA is now fully managed by our younger generation graduated from these schools. He appealed to the Japanese friends to help with educational efforts of Department of Education (CTA) as this is the top priority of 14th Kashag.
He also strongly thanked the various Japanese sponsorship NGOs and individuals for their understanding and ongoing support.
The guest speakers were Dr. Kazuo Murakami, a famous scientist and Mr Kazuyuki Hamada, Member of the House of Councillors .
Mr Toshi Kunga, a Japanese artist well versed in Tibetan traditional Nangma songs, entertained the guests by singing Tibetan songs.
MEPs join celebration in Belgium
On the evening of 10 July, the Office of Tibet, Brussels, held a reception at the Albert Hall complex near the European Union headquarters to celebrate the 78th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The reception was attended by members of European parliament, members of Belgian parliament, parliamentary assistants of MEPs, foreign diplomats, officials of EU institutions, representatives of Tibetan Buddhist centers in Belgium, president of Belgian Tibetan community and Tibetan NGOs, Tibet support groups and various friends of Tibet.
The programme for evening began with long life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Motok Tulku, Lama Zeupa and other monks from Yuentenling Institute, a Tibetan Buddhist center based in Huy, Belgium.
Representative Mr Ngodup Dorjee welcomed the guests and read out the message of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the occasion.
Mr Thomas Mann, MEP and the president of Tibet Intergroup in the European parliament, wished His Holiness the Dalai Lama long life not only for the Tibetans but for the peace and well being of all humanity. He shared with the guests present at the reception the core message His Holiness gave in Bylakuppe, India, on 6 July that “the best gift I could receive from you all is the warmheartedness in every individual present here. When faced with challenge and anger please be reminded of my message”. Representing members of the Tibet Intergroup in the European parliament, he strongly condemned police firing on Tibetans celebrating His Holiness’ birthday in Tawu region of Tibet and rendered it as shameful and inhuman act. He reiterated his commitment to work for the cause of Tibet as parliamentarian and as the president of the Tibet intergroup in EP.
The speeches were then followed by wide range of traditional Tibetan songs performed by Tibetan artist, Mr Kunser, and a group of Tibetan children from Tibetan cultural center.
