Bangalore: The 89th commemoration of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary, is being celebrated worldwide. At the Office of the Chief Representative, South Zone, Bengaluru, the event is observed with elegance, reverence, and the customary essence of the Tibetan communities in and around Bengaluru.

This year, a diverse series of cultural presentations and talks held from 4th to 6th July 2024 at various universities and colleges in Mysore and Bengaluru to celebrate the 90th birthday according to the Tibetan calendar.

Christ University, Bangalore: On 4 July 2024, the Office of the Chief Representative and Christ Deemed to be University in Bengaluru jointly organised a Talk series and Cultural Presentation. Dr Soumyadeep Datta delivered a talk on “Tibet’s Ecology” at the request of the Chief Representative Officer (CRO). His Talk emphasised the geopolitical history of Tibet and India and highlighted the struggle and determination of Tibetans in the Diaspora. They advocated for non-violence and a Middle-Way Approach to resolve the Tibet-China conflict. After the Talk, the troupe “Gangjong Deoghar” from Kalimpong presented Tibetan culture through dance, including the striking Snow Dance and Yak Dance. The faculties of Christ University honoured the speakers and the troupe from Kalimpong.

Mount Carmel College: On the same day afternoon at Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, and the undersigned office jointly organised a Talk on “India-Tibet Relation and Tibet’s Ecology” by Dr. Anand Kumar (Retd Professor), Department of Sociology, JNU, and Shri. Soumyadeep Datta. More than a hundred students attended the Talk, and once again, the Snow Lion dance rose as a showstopper.

Teresian College, Mysore: Moreover, on 5 July 2024, at Teresian College, Mysore, and the undersigned office, along with the Mysuru Tibetan Students Association, hosted a talk on “Why Tibet Matters to India?” by Dr Madhan Gopal Krishna, IAS (Retd) and Shri—Soumyadeep Datta at Mysore Teresian College.  The Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University, Prof. Lokanath N.K., and faculties members and members of the India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS) graciously attended the occasion. Chief Representative Office and MTS Association felicitated Thangka to Honourable Speakers and Vice Chancellor of Mysore University as a token of souvenir. A troupe from Kalimpong filled the auditorium with their powerful performance. 

St. John’s & St. Philomena Nursing College: On 6 July 2024 Saturday, at 8:00hrs beginning with ritual prayers, the students of St. John’s & St. Philomena Nursing College, Tibetan Youth Hostel, other institutions including Sera Jey Buddha Vihara as well as Tibetans in various professions from Shivaji Nagar to Dubai Plaza, HSR Layout to Ejipura, Yelanhanka to Electronic City, residing at Bengaluru gathered at Tibetan Youth Hostel ground followed by smoke firing and incense burning for the well-being of entire sentient being and especially for the longevity of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. They ended the ceremony with Gorshey (Tibetan Circle Dance).

MS Ramaiah University: After that, continuing the session at MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru and the undersigned office jointly organised a Panel Discussion on “Tibetan Plateau and India’s Climate Security” by Dr Anand Kumar (Retd Professor), Department of Sociology, JNU and Shri. Shomyadeep Datta.

Tibetan Youth Hostel, Koramangala: It was moving on with the official program held at the Auditorium of the Tibetan Youth Hostel, Koramangala. Jigmey Tsultrim, Chief Representative, delivered Kashag’s statement. Besides the official reading of the statement, CRO lamented upon the upcoming Kashag’s planning for the grand 90th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as “‘Universal Day of Compassion’ to honour the great contributions of the Dalai Lama towards a global mission for peace and harmony among humankind. Furthermore, CRO also acknowledged the presence of secretaries from Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, in the program.

President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Bengaluru, Tenzin Choesang, delivered the statement of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. After that, traditional Tibetan dance, song, and music filled the atmosphere of Gangjong Doegar and students from the Tibetan Youth Hostel, showcasing Tibet’s rich cultural heritage.

Kelsang Tsewang, Director of Tibetan Youth Hostel, delivered the words of thanks. At the same time, Tenzin Tsepel, office secretary of CRO, led the Master of Ceremony, along with Passang Dolma, a Member of the Student Council of TYH.

-Report filed by Chief Representative Office (South Zone)