Aarschot: On 29 June 2024, Tibetans in Aarschot celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday in the presence of special guest Geshe Lungtok Gedun, Director of Tibetan Translation and Research Institute, and chief guest Thinley Wangdue, Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, Brussels.
Metok Rinpoche from the Himalayan Dolma Buddhist Institute, Geshe Tseten Phuntsok from the Shedrup Tengye Ling Buddhist Centre, the regional Tibetan Youth and Women’s Association, the regional U-Tsang Association, a representative of Chushi Gangdruk, and the Director of the local Tibetan weekend school also attended the celebration as guests of honour.
The celebration was organised by Domey Association of Belgium.
Beginning with the welcome address, the president of the Domey Association of Belgium greeted the guests and gatherings on the occasion and presented the association’s annual report.
In his keynote address, chief guest Thinley Wangdue remarked that the occasion of His Holiness’ birthday is a day to remember and express gratitude to His Holiness for His lifelong dedication to promoting and advocating for global peace and meaningful life. He further emphasised unity among all Tibetans in advancing the Tibetan freedom struggle.
Before concluding his talk, the chief guest implored the celebrants to continue praying for the quick recovery of His Holiness while rejoicing over the recent news of successful treatment on His Holiness’ knee.
Likewise, the special guest delivered introductory remarks on the Tibetan Translation and Research Institute and its primary objectives, the project it undertook, and future plans of the institute. At the same time, the institute’s publication containing a collection of His Holiness’ noble orations was launched during the event.
Certificates were bestowed to a group of Belgium-based Tibetan college graduates as a gesture of appreciation from the organising association. Similarly, a token of appreciation was conferred to the dance teacher and cooks of the celebration.
The celebration was then wrapped up with a vote of thanks from the vice president of the association, Tseten.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels