CANBERRA, Australia: Special celebrations to mark the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama took place in various Australian cities. The Tibet Information Office hosted a formal dinner for about 400 guests from all walks of life at the prestigious Sydney Town Hall on 4 July.
Representative Mr Lhakpa Tshoko welcomed all the guests to the special occasion and spoke about how fortunate Tibetans are to have His Holiness as our leader, who is recognised world-wide as a man of peace, wisdom and compassion. Mr Tshoko took the opportunity to thank the Australian Government for their assistance in the resettlement of Tibetans and all those gathered at the celebrations for their support to the Tibetans and the Tibetan cause.
The celebrations included speeches and cultural performances by Tibetans, Bhutanese, Vietnamese and a Chinese violinist. The keynote speaker at the occasion was Honourable John Dowd AO QC who said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a “gift to the world”. (View video of the speeches)
Other guest speakers included the Honourable Michael Danby, MP, Co-Chair of the Australian Parliamentary Group for Tibet and Mr Ken Wyatt, MP and Rev. Bill Crews. All the speakers touched on their personal meetings with His Holiness and his messages of peace and harmony.
Video messages from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the Tibetan people were shown at the dinner.
The celebrations ended with a Gorshey – a circle dance which was led by Tibetan musicians and joined by many of the guests.
The different Tibetan communities across Australia also held celebrations in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Tasmania, New Castle and Sydney where the largest Tibetan community lives. There are about 1,600 Tibetans living in Australia.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Australia –
