Miao: The Choephelling Tibetan Settlement in Miao solemnly commemorated to mark the 90th Birthday (Ghoton) of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 6 July 2025. The Ghoton celebration was held on July 6 and 7, and the basketball tournament was conducted on 8 July 2025.
On the 6 of July, the celebration was honoured by the presence of Shri Vishal Sah, Deputy Commissioner of Changlang, who attended as the Chief Guest. Shri Kirli Padu, Superintendent of Police, was invited as the Guest of Honour. The event was further attended by heads of various local departments, esteemed community leaders, and Gaon Buras. Regrettably, Honourable MLA Shri Kamlung Mossang was unable to participate due to prior official engagements. Former MLA Shri Samlung Mossang was also unable to attend owing to health-related reasons.
The first day of the celebration commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour, who collectively lit up the Offering lamp and presented a ceremonial scarf (Khatak) before the portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In a symbolic and compassionate act, nine American parrots were released/rescued, followed by the plantation of 90 trees to honour the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness. Of these, 20 saplings were newly acquired, while the State Forestry Department generously donated the remaining 70.
The formal program began at the Community Hall with the rendition of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a song in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After the introduction and welcome speech by Tsering Norbu Office Secretary, all five camps and RTWA performed a cultural show and speeches by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour to mark the occasion and highlight the significance of the celebration. Subsequently, the Chief Guest officially inaugurated an exhibition centre dedicated to the life, contributions, and spiritual legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Lunch was then served to all the invitees and the public. The afternoon concluded with a series of engaging fun activities, including a final football match between Camp No. 2 and 3.
On 7 July 2025, Nezin Rinpoche was invited as the chief guest of the day, and celebration attendees were only settlers. The celebration was held at the Community Hall. Upon the arrival of Nezin Rinpoche was warmly welcomed by local Tibetan dignitaries. The program was started with an introduction speech by Tsering Norbu, Office Secretary, who highlighted the purpose of the celebration and outlined the plans for the whole year to commemorate the Ghoton.
The program continued with a vibrant lineup of cultural performances that delighted the audience. Lunch was then served to Choephelling Tibetan Settlement’s dignitaries and the public. In the afternoon, settlers took part in a variety of games and activities, enjoying the festivities according to their interests.
On 8 July 2025, the students of the Sambhota Tibetan School visited the above-mentioned exhibition centre to raise awareness. Finally, the H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday celebration was concluded with a final basketball match between Camp No. 1 and 2.
-Report filed by TSO Miao Choephelling
