Chile: On 7 August 2025, the Office of Tibet, Latin America successfully organised the 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Arica, Chile which is a coastal city in northern Chile nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Atacama Desert. The joyful event was graced with the presence of Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Deputy Vlado Mirosevic of Chile, former Mayor Gerardo Espíndola, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA to Latin America Jigme Tsering, the Director of La Casa del Tumbe based in Arica, and members of civil society in Arica. This marks the 12th celebration in Latin America, honouring a life dedicated to compassion, nonviolence, and service to humanity.

CTA has declared His Holiness’s 90th birthday as the “Year of Compassion”, which is being commemorated globally through teachings, cultural events, and reflections on His Holiness’s enduring legacy.In support of this international initiative and organised by the Office of Tibet, Latin America, a group of Geshes from Drepung Loseling Monastery, India, has been travelling through Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico, from 12 June to 30 August 2025.

The celebration began with a solemn procession and enthronement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait, followed by long life prayers conducted by the monks. A traditional Mandala offering was made by Kalon Norzin Dolma, Deputy Vlado Mirosevic of Chilean Chamber of Deputes, and Representative Jigme Tsering, joined by other dignitaries and guests.

As a central feature of the celebration, the monks will construct a Sand Mandala of Avalokiteshvara—the Buddha of Compassion, a figure deeply associated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama—from 8 August to 2025, at La Casa del Tumbe, Arica. This sacred artwork symbolises universal compassion and is a profound spiritual and cultural offering to both the local community and the world.

Deputy Vlado Mirosevic spoke about the profound relevance of His Holiness’s teachings in politics, especially the importance of ethical leadership, the threat to Tibetan culture and heritage, and the vital role of the Mystical Arts of Tibet tour in preserving and showcasing authentic Tibetan traditions. He also expressed deep gratitude to the Kalon, Representative Jigme Tsering, and the monks, recalling his visits to Dharamsala and His Holiness’s historic visits to Chile in 1992, 1996, and 2006.

In her address, Kalon Norzin Dolma provided an overview of Tibet’s current situation under Chinese rule, emphasising His Holiness’s four principal commitments as timely and essential in today’s world of conflict. She also raised concerns about Chinese interference in the reincarnation process of the His Holiness Dalai Lama and appealed to the Chilean Parliament and civil society to support the Tibetan cause through nonviolence, dialogue, and principled advocacy, working closely with the Office of Tibet.

The ceremony concluded with sacred music and chanting by the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery, dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life and the promotion of world peace.

–Reported by OOT, Latin America