Mangalore: As part of the ongoing Year of Compassion initiative, a talk session titled “The Four Principal Commitments of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama and A Brief on the Life and Legacy of His Holiness” – Celebrating the Year of Compassion, in commemoration of the 90th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was organised on 18 July 2025 at St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangalore, by the four Tibetan settlements of South Zone.

The programme was dedicated to paying heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary life, vision, and Four Principal Commitments of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, while also fostering reflection and meaningful dialogue among students and academic communities.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Norbu Tsering, Rabgyaling Tibetan Settlement Officer (TSO), Hunsur. In his address, TSO Norbu Tsering highlighted the significance of the gathering as an opportunity to inspire youth to embody universal values such as compassion, kindness, and ethical responsibility. He underscored His Holiness’ message that compassion transcends religious boundaries and remains an essential human need in today’s interconnected world.

A key highlight of the program was the inspiring keynote talk by Venerable Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and former English translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Drawing upon his vast scholarly background and personal experiences, Geshe Lhakdor elaborated on the Four Principal Commitments of His Holiness: promoting basic human values such as compassion, forgiveness, and tolerance; fostering inter-religious harmony and mutual respect among the world’s major religions; preserving Tibetan culture and protecting the natural environment; and reviving ancient Indian wisdom, particularly in the fields of inner science, psychology, and philosophy.

Geshe Lhakdor encouraged students to embrace these values not merely as ideals but as guiding principles in their daily lives. He emphasised that genuine education is not limited to academic learning but includes the cultivation of inner values and moral integrity.

Following the keynote talk, Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius University, delivered a special address. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of nurturing good human beings through holistic education. He spoke of the need for harmony, compassion, and ethical awareness, and appreciated the university’s collaboration with initiatives that foster global consciousness and spiritual growth among students.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Thupten Tsering, Dhondenling TSO, Kollegal, who expressed deep appreciation to all speakers, dignitaries, university leadership, student volunteers, and participants for their active engagement. He acknowledged the collective efforts of the four organising settlement offices: Lugsam Tibetan Settlement Office, Bylakuppe; Delar Tibetan Settlement Office, Bylakuppe; Rabgyaling Tibetan Settlement Office, Hunsur; and Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement Office, Kollegal, for jointly organising the event, and thanked St Aloysius University for its warm support, which contributed to the success of the programme.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 500 students attending. A particularly engaging Q&A session followed, during which Geshe Lhakdor responded to student inquiries with profound wisdom and humility. He encouraged students to remain grounded, work diligently, and cultivate joyful, compassionate lives.

Over the course of two days, the program engaged more than 1,000 students, leaving a lasting impression on all participants. It served as a powerful tribute to the life and commitments of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and a clarion call to build a more compassionate, ethical, and harmonious society.

-Report filed by Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement Office, Kollegal