His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 75th Birthday Celebrated In Hesse State of Germany[Friday, 20 August 2010, 2:16 p.m.]

Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2nd R) with Hesse State Minister President Mr Roland Koch (1st R) during the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday in Hesse State capital Wiesbaden on 19 August 2010

Wiesbaden:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday was celebrated yesterday at
Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse State in Germany. Hesse State Minister
President Mr Roland Koch and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
Representative Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa were the guests of honour.
The celebration was organised by Frende Fur Einen Frrund (Friends for a
Friend) and attended by foreign consulates and important German captain
of industries. The celebration started with the singing of the
Tibetan national anthem and prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
long life by the members of the Tibetan community in Germany.“Your
presence here shows your support for Tibet. Your presence is being
watched by the Chinese, but also by the Tibetans in Tibet”, said Mr
Roland Koch. He also said: “The principles that we honour and cherish –
democracy and human rights – must also be supported in places like
Tibet.”Mr Koch wished His Holiness the Dalai Lama long and healthy life..In
his address, Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa said: “His Holiness the Dalai
Lama’s message of compassion, tolerance, mutual respect and
non-violence has become even more important during this difficult
period in our history.” He said that His Holiness’s emphasis the need
of universal responsibility in a world that is becoming increasingly
interdependent has won him worldwide admiration. “His Holiness
has followed the same principles in finding a solution to the issue of
Tibe,” he said. “Ever since direct contact was re-established in 2002
with the Chinese government, His Holiness made efforts to find a
mutually beneficial and acceptable solution based on his Middle Path
policy of not seeking independence, but a genuine regional autonomy in
accordance with the principles and provisions of the Chinese
constitution. Unfortunately there hasn’t been positive response from
the Chinese authorities.” Mr Chhoekyapa added.Germany is the
most visited country in Europe by His Holiness the Dalai Lama – over 35
times. This, Mr Chhoekyapa said “indicates the tremendous public
interest and support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan
issue in Germany.”He thanked Freunde Für Einen Freund for
organisisng the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 75th
birthday. Turning to State Minister President Mr Roland Koch, Mr
Chhoekyapa said, “On behalf of the Tibetan people we would like to
sincerely express our gratitude for your friendship and support.”The
celebration ended with presentation of Tibetan cultural dances,
including a yak dance, by the members of the Tibetan community. More pictures of the day:

A Tibetan delegate offers ceremonial scarf (Khata) to Hesse State Minister President Mr Roland Koch (1st right)

Hesse State Minister President Mr Roland Koch speaking at the occasion

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa addressing the occasion

Guests, including dignitaries from foreign consulates, during the 75th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Wiesbaden

Tibetan community members present cultural performance during the celebration

Tibetans perform yak dance