Dharamshala: Earlier this morning, Saturday, 1 November 2025, the Experts’ Gratitude Symposium was convened to commemorate  His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration, and the Year of Compassion. The symposium was organised by Lha Charitable Trust (Institute for Social Work & Education), held in the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA), the Institute’s main auditorium.

The symposium was attended by the officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari (Kalon for the Department of Security) as the chief guest;  Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo as the guest of honour; former Kalon (Kasur) Thupten Lungrig; Lha Charitable Trust President Ngawang Rabgyal; and Lha Charitable Trust Executive Director Sonam Palden as the special guests.

The event was also attended by Yangten Rinpoche from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kasur Lobsang Nyandak, Kasur Dhongchung Ngodup, Department of Religion and Culture Secretary Dhondul Dorjee, Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal, Men-Tsee-Khang Director Thupten Tsering, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) Director Geshe Lhakdor, and College of Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS) Principal Passang Tsering, along with many other distinguished guests.

The event begins with ceremonial prayers and the offering of traditional scarves. Followed by singing of the national anthems of Tibet, and Long Life Prayer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

President Ngawang Rabgyal of Lha Charitable Trust (Institute for Social Work & Education) addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the purpose of the symposium and welcoming all the attendees. Executive Director Sonam Palden, Director of Lha Charitable Trust, addressed the detailed program. He further briefed on the initial establishment of Lha Charitable Trust and its institute for social work and education.

Followed by the Special Guest of the event, former Kalon (Kasur) Thupten Lungrig, delivered a brief address on highlighting the importance of gratitude and reflecting on His Holiness’s influence across generations.

He further spoke on Tibet’s rightful independence, offering a concise overview of Tibet’s history and His Holiness’s tireless efforts for the Tibetan cause—from assuming full spiritual and leadership responsibility at the age of sixteen.

Chief Guest of the symposium, Kalon Dolma Gyari, underlined the importance of the younger generation in carrying forward His Holiness’s vision by strengthening Tibetan education, language, and identity. She also urged institutions and individuals to continue engaging in acts of service as expressions of gratitude towards His Holiness’s immense contributions.

She also addressed the establishment of a democratic system in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). She highlighted the historic transfer of political authority from His Holiness to the democratically elected leadership of the CTA, the fulfilment of His Holiness’s long vision of a democratic governance system for the Tibetan people in exile.

In her concluding remarks, Kalon Dolma Gyari reiterated the importance of responsibility within the Tibetan community, urging everyone to uphold His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s guidance through compassion-driven action and service to others. She further expressed hope that the Experts’ Gratitude Symposium would continue to inspire meaningful dialogue, reflection on His Holiness’s far-reaching contributions and democratic values.

In the concluding session, Vice President Lobsang Rabsel extended heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the organisers to all the guests, speakers, and attendees. He mentioned that the symposium sessions continued after the lunch break, featuring further discussions and presentations.